A smartphone app to detect wound infections and recommend care
Official title: Smartphone-based wound infection screener and care recommender by combining thermal images and photographs using deep learning methods
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11117130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smartphone app that helps caregivers spot infected wounds using pictures and thermal images, making it easier for them to give the right advice and treatment to patients with chronic wounds, especially during home visits or emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $599,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB031910-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic wounds who are at risk of infection and may benefit from timely intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with wounds that are already being effectively managed by healthcare professionals may not receive additional benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops a smartphone application that uses thermal images and photographs to assess the risk of wound infections. By employing deep learning techniques, the app aims to help non-expert caregivers accurately identify infected wounds at the point of care, such as in home visits or emergency settings. The goal is to provide timely recommendations for treatment and referrals, reducing the risk of complications like limb amputation. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the quality of care for patients with chronic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the early detection and management of wound infections, potentially saving limbs and enhancing patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using technology for wound assessment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agu, Emmanuel — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Agu, Emmanuel
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.