Artificial intelligence in the health sector: 10 examples

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Recent technological innovations have allowed for the introduction of many new digital tools and services in the healthcare sector including one of the biggest game changers, artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence in the health sector has shown numerous practical and useful applications, from aid in diagnostics to communication with patients. Let’s take a look at 10 examples of real and practical use of AI in health.

AI virtual health assistants

While AI as a health assistant may have seemed futuristic as an idea a decade ago, it is now slowly becoming a reality. Practical widespread use of AI as a virtual health assistant is already taking place across many clinics around the world. With new and innovative technologies such as natural language processing and machine learning, AI can continually learn to effectively communicate with each patient naturally as if it were a real person.

Virtual health assistants can be trained to speak multiple languages, operate 24/7, and offer proper, meaningful communication with patients which separates them from regular chatbots. These virtual assistants can have numerous applications outside of direct communication with patients such as assisting patients in booking appointments, providing medical advice, and offering personalized reminders for medication or follow-ups as well as handling many operational and administrative tasks.

Diagnostics with AI

Sreenings and medical imaging which include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, can be analyzed through AI algorithms with high precision. AI can also act as an assistant in this area and help in the decision-making process by pointing the medical staff to areas of interest or incidental findings they may have overlooked.

Remote care through telemedicine

Telemedicine platforms that are AI-driven can be used to communicate with and examine patients who live in remote areas, have chronic conditions, or have certain conditions which prevent them from attending their appointments in person. AI can enhance remote consultations by analyzing patient data and symptoms in real time, providing doctors with insights for better diagnosis and treatment.

Research, drug discovery, and development with the use of AI in the health sector

One clear example of the effective use of AI in the health sector is in the research sector and the drug discovery process. AI is capable of analyzing vast amounts of data at incredible speed. Therefore, it can analyze data from clinical trials, medical research, and patient records to identify potential drug candidates.

According to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine, modern manufacturing systems are increasingly incorporating human expertise into machines, constantly transforming the way manufacturing is conducted.

Automating tasks in the healthcare sector

There are a number of different administrative, time-consuming tasks that take a lot of energy from healthcare workers. Many of these tasks can be automatized with the use of AI. AI-powered tools can also optimize staff workflows and resource management, improving hospital efficiency. Furthermore, streamlining administrative tasks is one of the most efficient ways of transforming healthcare management with AI and giving healthcare personnel more time and energy to focus on other, more important tasks.

Using AI predictive analytics to minimize chances of no-shows, and equipment downtime, and optimize scheduling

Long waiting times and waiting lists are well-known issues in almost every healthcare system around the world. Clinics have tried various solutions to combat these issues and now with the constantly expanding digitalization in the healthcare sector, new solutions have been introduced. Using predictive analytics, AI can optimize the entire scheduling system, minimizing the occurrence of no-shows.

AI can also help improve continuity of care by predicting when medical equipment requires maintenance.

Personalized medicine and personalized medical approach

By analyzing individual patient data, including genetic information, lifestyle, and environmental factors, AI can offer personalized treatment plans. To optimize the outcomes of each patient AI systems can recommend personalized therapies based on predictive analytics. It is true that some individuals do not respond well to universal therapies and may require a more personalized medical approach.

AI can also present multiple treatment options and act as a clinical decision support system for the care provider. Essentially, AI-powered clinical decision support systems, or CDSS for short,  provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations during patient consultations.

AI and robot-assisted surgery

During surgeries, healthcare staff can face a number of challenges and tasks that require enormous precision and energy. AI-assisted robotic systems have shown immensely positive results in assisting during minimally invasive surgeries and acting as personal assistants to the surgeons in the operating room.

Early Detection of Chronic Diseases

AI-powered monitoring tools can assist clinics in predicting the onset of various chronic diseases in patients. AI can analyze both health records and lifestyle data to provide early detection of chronic disease in certain patients and enable the use of preventive measures that can help not only stop the creation of these chronic conditions but also lower hospitalizations and long-term healthcare costs.

Enabling cost-effective solutions in the health sector with AI

Overall, we have listed many practical, useful, and innovative uses of artificial intelligence in the health sector of healthcare. It is however also worth noting that AI impacts the expanding economic efficiency and innovation in healthcare through digitalization. All of these applications of AI in health minimize the chances of complications and reduce the need for hospital readmissions. As a result, patients can avoid expensive ER visits, while improved health outcomes contribute to lowering long-term healthcare expenses.

AI offers virtual consultations, remote telemedicine, instant access to healthcare providers, and 24/7 availability, reducing the need for expensive call centers. All of these listed measures and solutions save money for both providers and patients but more importantly, they lead to better overall health outcomes.