It’s impossible not to be excited about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI and machine learning (ML) have started showing transformational impacts on most aspects of modern life. There is great optimism that applications of AI will be able to provide substantial improvements in healthcare from diagnostics to treatment.
A large amount of evidence indicates that AI has multiple use cases throughout the healthcare delivery system, for instance, in analyzing diagnostic images or correlating symptoms, along with biomarkers from electronic medical records (EMRs) and the characterization and treatment outcomes of diseases. It is believed that AI holds the ability to bring improvements to any process within healthcare operation and delivery. Additionally, it is estimated that AI applications would make it possible for the healthcare sector to potentially save USD 150 billion annually by 2026.
Here’s how healthcare professionals, as well as patients have started benefiting from AI:
- Consumer Health Applications
Al and ML have made it possible for several consumer health applications and self-monitoring devices such as wireless-enabled devices, activity trackers, smartwatches, and other physical fitness monitoring to encourage people to take proactive measures for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These applications also allow consumers to be in control of their health and well-being. This in turn can help healthcare professionals to better understand their patient’s needs. With insightful real-time data, caregivers can provide necessary guidance and support for positive outcomes and long-term positive growth for the healthcare industry.
- General Purpose Learning Algorithms for Pattern Recognition
AI, ML, natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning (DL) have proven to be of great value for healthcare stakeholders and medical professionals to identify healthcare needs and solutions faster and with more accuracy. Large and complex data sets are used to educate and train computer models for pattern recognition and develop its decision-making ability and even predict likely outcomes.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to play a role in preoperative and interoperative planning in the form of surgical robotics. AI powered robot-assisted surgery has been found to drastically reduce the length of patient stay in the hospital. With the help of AI, robots can perform the following procedures in surgery:
- Analyzing the medical records of the patients
- Guide the surgical instruments during the surgical procedure based on records
- Utilize patients’ previous history to recommend newer surgical techniques
- Drug Research and Discovery
Although drug research and discovery is one of the more recent applications of AI in healthcare, this application of AI is expected to be worth USD 8,419 Million by 2026. This is a result of the growing confidence in the potential of AI in reimagining drug discovery. AI has the potential to move drug screening from paper to virtual lab with comparatively less extensive inputs and manpower.
- Smart Workflow Management
AI-powered solutions can assist in accurately scheduling and planning of medical staff rotation by extracting and factoring information such as number of staff, competencies required to perform the tasks and availability of specific equipment. Automatic resource allocation based on needs, urgency, and expertise makes the entire workflow management process easier and more efficient.
AI is delivering significant results today—and its potential to shape the future of the healthcare industry is even greater. However, successful implementation of AI in healthcare largely depends on how experienced and skilled your technology partner is, as well as their readiness to evolve and support you during AI deployment and system customization.
As an integrated application suite, iPatientCare delivers robust healthcare technology; our products and solutions are specially designed for new-age healthcare, addressing the challenges in real-world clinical environments. If you have questions or want to know about potential AI applications for your organization, contact us today.
