From diagnostics to research, AI is transforming the industry
With huge amounts of data, expert precision, and timely, accurate diagnoses at the heart of the healthcare industry, it’s little wonder machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming widespread. Insider Intelligence reported that spending on AI in medicine is predicted to grow at an annualized 48% over the next three years. And with numerous research studies already pointing towards AI performing as well as or better than humans, it’s generally believed AI tools will assist and enhance human work rather than replace healthcare staff. It is already providing significant improvements across the healthcare industry – from diagnostics to treatment and administration – and is simplifying the lives of patients and doctors alike. Let’s look at how AI is shaping the industry today and into the future.
It all starts with the right diagnosis
Misdiagnosis of illness and medical error account for a significant number of deaths each year in the US, with one study pointing to medical errors as the third-leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. In light of this, using AI to improve the diagnostic process is one of its most promising functions in healthcare. While still in their infancy, AI algorithms can be used to examine medical records, patient habits, and genetic information at a much faster rate than medical professionals, without the element of human error.
Taking care of (administrative) business
Across all industries, the power of AI is being harnessed to automate administrative tasks, and healthcare is no different. It’s expected this could result in $18 billion in savings and free healthcare providers to prioritize urgent tasks over routine. Current use of AI technology includes voice-to-text transcriptions, the ordering of tests, and formulation of prescriptions. Nuance is an example of an in-use AI-based product that promises to reduce documentation time by 50% while improving quality by 47-63%.
AI and robotics conquering surgery
Robot-assisted surgery is no longer seen as a technology of the future. Thanks to its guaranteed precision and lack of fatigue, it’s very much an active and effective technology that is widely used today. However, the healthcare industry is examining ways in which combining AI and robotics can create new surgical techniques. AI can analyze data from previous surgeries and determine patterns that lead to even more accuracy and precision.
Diagnostic selfies
Studies have shown that sending a selfie to the doctor could be a cheap, effective way of diagnosing heart disease. By using a deep-learning computer algorithm, four photographs of a person’s face were successfully used to detect heart disease. Cell phone cameras combined with AI could prove particularly useful in developing countries or areas with a shortage of specialists, and are already showing promise across dermatology and ophthalmology.
Wearables – more than just a fashion accessory
While FitBits and Apple wearables are already commonplace, the overall wearable AI market is projected to grow phenomenally – reaching $42.4 billion by 2023, from $11.5 billion in 2018. By harnessing AI, wearable technology analyzes data and can alert users and their healthcare professionals of potential health issues and risks. Wearers can monitor their own health and consequently prevent unnecessary hospital visits or check-ups.
Data-driven drug research
The development of new, effective drug treatments is laden with data and research that currently takes thousands of human hours. Thanks to breakthroughs in technology, pharmaceutical companies are using the accuracy and knowledge that AI can provide. According to Insider Intelligence, AI could reduce drug discovery costs (from reading and analysis of existing literature through to testing the ways potential drugs interact with targets) by as much as 70%. A huge reduction in human hours to perform parts of the drug research process could mean treatments come to market faster and save more lives.
Providing a voice for those without
Using computers to communicate is not new, but creating a direct interface between technology and the human mind without keyboards and monitors is at the cutting edge of communication for some patients. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) can significantly improve the quality of life for patients who have lost the ability to speak or interact meaningfully. From stroke victims to those with spinal cord injuries, the applications are vast. Using AI with BCI will improve the BCI experience as AI algorithms continually ‘learn’ desired responses and restore communication to those who feared it lost forever.
AI is transforming healthcare
AI has already had a huge impact on the healthcare ecosystem and will continue as its applications become more essential to the industry. From automating tasks to analyzing data, the benefits of speed and accuracy that AI provides are set to save time, money, and most importantly, lives.
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