The potential applications of artificial intelligence extend beyond enhancing daily life, improving leisure and entertainment, or optimizing the manufacturing sector. AI can also play a crucial role in vital industries such as healthcare. This article explores 8 key areas of AI in healthcare where these technology solutions and tools can be integrated.
AI in Healthcare Use Cases
In healthcare, as in other fields, various AI technologies are applied, including machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning.
- Monitoring Health Indicators
This aspect is often discussed in the context of AI and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) – medical devices or applications connected via the internet. Today, users can track fundamental health indicators using devices such as smartphones or smartwatches. Based on this data, individuals can monitor their health and well-being, considering factors like sleep quality, heart rate, oxygen levels, and more. This can help maintain control over certain health metrics and ensure convenience.
In healthcare facilities, devices like heart rate sensors, glucose monitors, ingestible cameras, and MRI machines are used for faster care and more efficient diagnosis. Additionally, solutions like remote patient monitoring tools enable healthcare providers to manage patient conditions from a distance.
- Diagnostics
AI in healthcare can assist in disease diagnosis by providing precise data analysis. With the ability to analyse large datasets, AI can review historical patient treatment records, medication usage, or other medical information. AI tools can also access visual data from medical procedures, such as imaging, to help identify specific disorders or conditions.
- Decision-Making
Predictive analytics can be applied at this stage. Tools based on this analysis can forecast a patient’s condition by examining health indicator trends, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.
- Treatment Delivery
Robots built on AI in healthcare technology can support medical professionals in various ways. They can assist with simple tasks in laboratories, such as measuring, dosing, and distributing medications, as well as contribute to complex surgeries, aiding surgeons in achieving successful outcomes. In the future, robots may also be used in hospitals for rehabilitation and physical therapy tasks.
- Reducing Disparities for Vulnerable Groups
A significant portion of the population faces chronic conditions that may persist throughout life. Diseases like heart failure, dementia, or osteoporosis can limit a person’s independence. To reduce dependence on others and avoid prolonged hospitalization or the need for nursing homes, AI in healthcare tools can assist in communication, perform certain tasks, and robots can facilitate social interaction.
For example, Neurotechnology offers text-to-speech solutions that make healthcare services more accessible to individuals with disabilities such as vision impairments or learning difficulties.
- Managing Administrative Processes
AI tools, such as NetGeist’s natural language model solutions, can be integrated into healthcare institutions. Virtual assistants operating 24/7 can handle inquiries related to consultations, service registrations, doctor schedules, or provide relevant information for patients.
Sentiment analysis can help evaluate healthcare facilities and the performance of their doctors. By analysing reviews, surveys, and feedback, AI can provide insights to improve services.
- Conducting Research
Ongoing development in this field is essential. AI in healthcare can accelerate the drug development process, which is currently lengthy. This ensures that new medications reach the market quickly, benefiting patients with various conditions.
- Training Programs
AI can also be applied in education, assisting trainees. For example, natural language processing algorithms can analyse data sets with various scenarios and respond to related queries, providing information on specific procedural decisions. Based on input and updates from the trainee, the system can continuously improve its responses.
Final Word
The application of AI in healthcare can streamline a wide range of activities. From automating administrative tasks to enhancing diagnostic precision and tailoring treatments, AI increases accessibility to healthcare services, improves efficiency, and facilitates the seamless maintenance of quality patient health care.
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Sources: Armis, Built In, Empeek, NetGeist, Neurotechnology, PwC