Innovative Applications and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in the Whole-Course Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Objective: To systematically map how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform whole-course chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation within a 4P (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, Participatory) medicine framework, and to identify actionable strategies for overcoming current barriers. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and Embase was performed for articles published between January 2021 and June 2025. This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Forty empirical studies and reviews that applied AI/ML to COPD prevention, early detection, personalised therapy, exacerbation prediction or pulmonary rehabilitation were critically appraised. Data were extracted on technical foundations, data modalities, algorithms, validation metrics and implementation outcomes. Results: AI models integrating multimodal data (imaging, wearables, environmental exposures, genomics) achieved AUC ≥ 0.80 for predicting acute exacerbations up to seven days in advance, were associated with a reduction in emergency visits of up to 98% and a lowering of readmission rates by 25-48%. Screening tools using chest X-ray, CT or smartphone sensors attained ≥90% accuracy for early COPD detection in primary-care settings. Personalised treatment optimisation was linked to a 53% lowering of exacerbation risk in best-responding subgroups. Home-based AI rehabilitation platforms increased adherence by >30% without additional equipment. Key implementation challenges include data heterogeneity, limited explainability, digital divide among older adults and unclear regulatory frameworks. Conclusion: AI is poised to operationalise 4P COPD care, delivering substantial clinical and economic benefits. Future success depends on cross-centre data standards, explainable-AI toolchains, federated learning and inclusive reimbursement policies.

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