The role of AI in healthcare

The role of AI in healthcare

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is essentially a computer-based technology that mimics and, at times, outperforms the human brain's functions of deep learning, adaptation, engagement, and comprehension.

The desire to incorporate technology into medicine dates back to the 1950s, but capable modern computers have resurfaced the role of artificial intelligence in the medical field. The future of AI in healthcare is revolutionary. From chronic diseases to cancer, diagnosis, and radiology to storing medical records, the benefits of AI in healthcare are numerous.

What is the main role of artificial intelligence in healthcare?

AI is a tech-savvy friend to a doctor who reads the mind and assists at work.

The main role of AI encompasses the following fields:

Health service management

AI applications can provide consistent, possibly real-time medical information from a range of sources, such as journals, textbooks, and treatment protocols.

Patient data and diagnostics

Patients and their families are updated about their health status, without having to wait long hours for the doctors.

Preventive medicine

AI tools enable predictions for recognizing risk factors for each patient, allowing healthcare to intervene early and thereby prevent the onset of the disease.

Decision-making (clinically)

AI can assist doctors in understanding and solving business process concerns as a human would.

Now that we have a broad overview of how AI can change lives, let’s take a closer look at more intricate benefits of AI in healthcare:

Transforming radiology in patient diagnosis

Radiological pictures taken by MRI machines, CT scanners, and x-rays show us the human insides. It does all this without invading the body or causing any bloodshed. But most of the time, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsies, especially in cancer patients, increase the risk of infection; and can speed up the spread as well.

Artificial intelligence will help with the creation of next-generation radiology tools that are accurate and comprehensive enough to completely remove the need for tissue samples.

Curbing the development of resistance to antibiotics

Data from electronic medical records can help determine infection patterns and identify those at risk of developing antibiotic resistance before symptoms occur. Leveraging machine learning and AI tools to drive these metrics and provide doctors/nurses with faster, more accurate alerts.

Redefining imaging in pathological diagnosis

High-end data processing software can reach the pixel level on photos, allowing pathologists to see cell changes that are beyond the scope of human vision.

Artificial intelligence can highlight a mutation or pathology in a tissue slide before human intervention.

Smart surgical tools

AI is now incorporated into surgical robots, ICU monitoring machines, and surgery video recording devices. It makes the process transparent and anticipates risks.

Personalized medicine

AI-based devices are being diligently used in bio-banking and genomic sequencing to manage a vast gene pool and detect high cancer risks in individuals.

Smart personal and wearable devices

Sleep trackers, heartbeat recording devices, and smart toothbrushes are all examples of high-tech household / wearable AI devices that work with the help of your smartphones.

Smartphones and health

The performance of cell phone cameras has undergone a paradigm shift. They offer crystal-clear digital images that the AI algorithm can decipher to detect pathology. This allows for very easy monitoring of skin and eye issues.

Brain-computer communication

Nervous system-related diseases can hinder some patients' capacity for speech, movements, and communication. A brain-computer interface with in-built AI can restore these functions.

Taking medicine to all remote areas of the world

AI is pivotal to the reading of medical reports in areas where pathologists or radiologists are not easily available.

Electronic health records (EHRs) - reloaded.

Last but not least, AI manages patient data precisely and introduces features of voice typing, voice recognition, and dictation to make medical documentation easy.

Conclusion

All this said, AI is a man-made tool to assist us, not replace us. Under no circumstances can AI replace what doctors and nurses know.