Clinical Translation and Validation Core

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Technology Collaboratory (AITC) proposes a Clinical Translation and Validation Core that aims to cultivate and support cutting edge Al prototype testing and exploratory studies that are needed to develop crucial larger scale and confirmatory pilots in order to advance the development of effective Al technologies to facilitate independence in older adults. This core is designed to serve as a hub and a clinical laboratory for innovators to validate prototypes and undertake rigorous feasibility testing for the Al algorithms and technology devices in clinical and "real-world" settings. The specific aims of the Clinical Translation and Validation Core are 1) To provide state-of-the-art scientific (Clinical and Engineering) expertise and work with the administrative core to facilitate soliciting proposals and identifying and selecting Al approaches or technologies to be clinically validated in the Collaboratory or our partner sites; 2) To develop and maintain a research registry with emerging Al approaches or technologies to be validated in clinics and identify clinical researchers (and their clinical studies) and other stakeholders interested in validating Al algorithms or technologies in their clinics or other real-world settings; 3) To provide the AITC investigators identified in aim 1, with mentorship and training in all aspects of human subjects' research, including study conceptualization, study design and outcomes, definition of interventions, measurement, data analysis, protocol development and implementation, regulatory approval, quality assessment, and standard operating procedures related to aging, dementia and the maintenance of independence; 4) to provide intellectual leadership necessary to identify and match Al researchers with clinical research investigators that are best suited to successfully validate prototypes and undertake rigorous feasibility testing for the artificial intelligence algorithms and technology devices in both clinical and "real-world" settings; and 5) to facilitate the transition of successful prototypes into clinical studies in collaboration with the leadership of the Pilot Cores (Aging and AD) as well as all other cores. To achieve these goals, the core is led by an Al and technology development experienced investigator partnered with a Geriatrics Clinician Scientist with expertise in translational research focused on physical and cognitive decline in older adults. This balanced leadership will facilitate the development, implementation, and conduct of prototype development and testing in this core. A highly skilled and experienced research program manager with expertise in minority recruitment and the measurement of frailty and mobility will facilitate the completion of these aims. These aims will be carried out in collaboration with the leaders of all other cores. Additional resources are provided by the JHU Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, which will help to ensure optimal study design, implementation, measurement, and interpretation of results, and Fast Forward, a translationally-focused unit at JHU, will facilitate health technology development that focuses on using Al to maximize independence in older adults.