Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most commonly used terms you may encounter. A very small number of people might be unaware of this term.
From automating administrative tasks to improving productivity, AI is being used in various sectors, including the healthcare industry these days.
In the Healthcare market, artificial intelligence is projected to grow from $14.6 billion in 2023 to $102.7 billion by 2028.
This massive increase states that in the coming years, we are going to experience some considerable evolution in healthcare operations. From answering patients’ queries to prescribing them personalized medicine, AI is going to thrive everywhere in the healthcare industry.
What has empowered this advancement of AI in the healthcare industry? It could be the modern machine learning algorithms, reasonable hardware, the availability of 5G, and more access to data.
Let’s look deep into how AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry!
AI in Revolutionizing Healthcare Operations
Today, healthcare organizations are using AI technology in several ways to maximize their patient service efforts.
1. Analyzing Images and Detecting Diseases
Analyzing medical images, such as Radiography (X-ray), Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), manually is mostly time-consuming.
To make this task quicker and more accurate, an MIT-led research team has introduced a machine-learning algorithm that can register 3D scans up to 1,000 times faster than the traditional analyzing process. The algorithm can scan thousands of pairs of medical images, providing meaningful comparisons.
AI is also expected to enable advanced radiology tools to reduce reliance on tissue samples in some cases.
More significantly, AI image analysis might support remote areas lacking easy access to healthcare providers. Besides, the use of AI in telemedicine is beneficial for patients as they can capture pictures of cuts, bruises, or rashes and send them to receive the necessary treatment by using their smartphones.
2. Analyzing Patient Data and Predicting Potential Health Issues
Artificial intelligence can scan vast data, ranging from medical images to patient medical records and lab results. Thus, it can predict chronic diseases at their earlier stages.
The use of machine learning and AI algorithms enables health specialists to sense a serious medical issue and start the treatment before it gets severe.
3. Easing Workflow and Administrative Tasks
Another significant benefit of AI in the healthcare sector is it can automate administrative tasks.
Technologies, like AI-powered chatbots, can address patients’ queries by listening to their issues and providing medical advice. Software, like voice-to-text transcription or virtual assistant, can help order tests, write chart notes, and prescribe medicines.
These AI tools can also help patients with scheduling an appointment with the doctors.
A study conducted by Syneos Health Communications, including approximately 800 patients, states that 64% of the patients preferred AI virtual nurse assistants. According to those patients, they would be comfortable with virtual nurse assistants due to their 24/7 availability and support.
Conducting these tasks with AI takes much less time than doing them manually. In this way, AI and automation can help healthcare professionals free up time for other important activities relating to patient care.
4. Accelerating the Process of Drug Discovery
Conventional methods of drug discovery are usually expensive and time-consuming. Technological advancement and artificial intelligence can accelerate the process of discovering new drugs.
With the help of AI tools, researchers can go through vast amounts of data within a minimal duration. AI tools assist researchers in identifying a new potential drug and predicting its effectiveness by registering its molecular structure and patient data.
5. Contributing to the Development of Personalized Medicine
Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, involves the process of customizing medical decisions and interventions for an individual.
At present, artificial intelligence plays a notable role in the development of personalized medicines. AI-powered personalized medicine can offer more effective treatment for medical conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
This AI-powered personalized approach can encourage better treatment, earlier diagnosis, and prevention, making better use of resources and saving lives.
6. Providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mental health is a crucial aspect of human well-being which is often overlooked. With the development of technology, mental healthcare has taken a new route.
Today, several applications of AI are used to provide cognitive behavioral therapy. Some applications can help ease stress by coloring, solving puzzles, or practicing meditative exercises. Many AI-powered apps can monitor mood and stress levels and feature self-help guidance and daily challenges.
7. Enhancing Health Education and Awareness
With the help of artificial intelligence, educating medical students has become more systematic than conventional teaching methods.
Generative AI allows medical educators to quickly produce an image to make their students better understand a topic by instructing an AI-powered tool or program.
Watch the video where I discuss the real-world impact of AI on healthcare.
The Bottom Line
Artificial intelligence cannot replace human healthcare professionals, but it can transform the way they treat patients and diseases.
Whether it is image analysis, disease detection or prediction, enhancing the workflow, or tailoring personalized medicine, implementing AI offers many benefits in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, AI is expected to make healthcare services more accessible and efficacious to both patients and healthcare providers worldwide.