4 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Aiding Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) conjures up all sorts of images in our minds when we as humans think about it. Be it a Terminator-like future where machines have taken over to rule the world, or a more pleasant Star Wars-like adventure with helpful robots. These fictional ideas seem so far fetched that it is hard to believe that artificial intelligence is already among us and performs impressive work, especially in healthcare. This sphere is vast and only growing larger with new treatments, ideas, and technologies that it can be understandingly difficult for the human mind to keep up. It is no secret that medical misdiagnosis is an ongoing problem. Not only is this life-threatening to the patient, but it also costs billions of dollars in financial impact. The model of one size fits all is simply not an effective way to practice healthcare. Everyone knows that the human body is complex, to say the least, and every individual has a unique genetic blueprint that requires its own unique treatments. But how are healthcare professionals to keep track of such infinite knowledge and tailor it to each patient? That is where the innovative field of AI is bringing much-needed answers to these challenges.

1. Early and Accurate Diagnosis

AI machine learning technology is proving to be more effective for the detection of disease than healthcare professionals with traditional diagnostic methods. Pathologists take biopsies to analyze under a microscope to determine if the tissue is malignant or benign. AI can make this process more effective and reduce human errors by using deep learning algorithms. These algorithms are based on the AI capability to analyze a database of images from similar diseases and recognize patterns. Armed with this information, medical professionals can make more informed decisions on comprehensive knowledge. Here is an example of a study that shows AI detecting breast cancer at a higher rate than traditional methods. 

2. Digital Drug Discovery

Discovering new drugs is no easy feat and costs billions of dollars to put one new drug through clinical trials with no insurance that the new drug will ever make it to the market. AI is modernizing this process in two ways: by creating new drugs based on the most accurate data and matching new patients to current drugs. With its amazing deep learning capability, AI can take vast amounts of biomedical and healthcare data points and create unique algorithms that are representations of individual patients. This pinpoints what is relevant information for disease-drug associations, taking the guess-work out of what drug is needed for what patient population. Want to see a real-life company doing just that?

3. Streamlining Patient Experience

Anyone who has been to a doctor’s office knows there is no shortage of paperwork involved, and this can make for a monotonous and sometimes frustrating experience. AI streamlines this process by using robotic process elimination to automate highly repetitive tasks like check-ins or insurance information. AI can also prioritize wait times and even manage ambulance routes. Automating basic procedures saves time, which in turn saves money. Explore more patient experience AI technology. 

4. Surgical Assist

The support of AI in the operating room helps surgeons perform better and is leading to less post-surgical complications. AI allows for more accuracy and precision than is humanly possible. Surgical robots sports cameras, self-operating arms, and surgical instruments to aid in minimally invasive procedures. Data science can also play an important role in surgical precision. Medical professionals can get a better view of the patient’s affliction not just from a physical perspective but from a data perspective as well. AI uses data science to measure, model, and quantify the surgical processes and outcomes, thereby improving the safety and quality of procedures performed. Here is an example of an amazing surgical AI tool. 

Healthcare has always been on the cutting edge of technology. As the AI industry continues to make ground-breaking discoveries, healthcare challenges will continue to be overcome. With each innovation comes the chance to save lives. This makes the use of AI technology in healthcare more than just innovative; it is vital.