Medication errors cost billions and risk lives, but Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s University, says artificial intelligence can help solve the problem.
Nova Scotia is home to one of Canada’s oldest populations, creating significant challenges for its healthcare system. By 2030, more than 25% of the province’s residents will be over the age of 65.[1]
Many older adults rely on multiple prescriptions to manage chronic illnesses, a practice known as polypharmacy. While often necessary, taking several medications simultaneously significantly increases the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions (DDIs), potentially causing serious complications and hospitalizations.
In Canada, nearly two-thirds of Canadians aged 65 and older living in long-term care facilities take ten or more prescription drugs.[2] Globally, medication errors and harmful interactions cost approximately $42 billion USD annually in avoidable healthcare expenses.[3]
Dr. Somayeh Kafaie is developing AI tools for healthcare providers to help reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions in patients
Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary’s University, is addressing this challenge using artificial intelligence (AI).
“Our goal is not simply to use AI to flag risky drug interactions,” says Dr. Kafaie. “We want healthcare providers to clearly understand why certain interactions are problematic. By unifying drug databases and applying AI, we can identify potential issues early.”
A core component of the project is a dynamic knowledge graph, visually representing complex drug relationships and translating dense medical data into clear, actionable insights. Knowledge graphs have demonstrated promise in effectively predicting drug interactions by integrating extensive medical information.[4]
Additionally, Dr. Kafaie’s team is developing an AI-powered Q&A tool designed specifically for healthcare providers, allowing instant access to evidence-based medication guidance.
“When a doctor or pharmacist has questions about a medication interaction, our program can deliver quick, clear answers based on the latest research. AI should never replace human judgment but instead support it. Clinicians face overwhelming complexity managing medications for older patients, and our platform aims to lighten that cognitive load.”
Supported by the New Health Investigator Grant from Research Nova Scotia, Dr. Kafaie’s research aims to transform how healthcare professionals predict and prevent harmful drug interactions. Although still in early stages, the AI-driven platform has significant potential to reduce medication errors, shorten hospital stays and enhance overall patient care.
“This grant isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence,” says Dr. Kafaie. “Support like this shapes the future of healthcare research, drives innovation and develops the next generation of scientists.”
As demographics shift globally, pioneering efforts like Dr. Kafaie’s illustrate how local research at Saint Mary's University can generate meaningful, far-reaching impacts, positioning SMU as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
About the New Health Investigator Grant
Research Nova Scotia’s New Health Investigator Grant supports early-career health researchers who are engaged in research that is focused on the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare to Nova Scotians. Funding is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.