Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, is quickly becoming one of the biggest buzzwords in the healthcare industry today. With great success already seen in other industries, it seems inevitable that AI will change how health care operates in the present and future. Here are five ways artificial intelligence can benefit healthcare providers and consumers right now and in the future.
First Things First, What Is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been in the news lately, but what are they exactly? In their simplest forms, artificial intelligence and machine learning are computer programs that can receive input, analyze it, and respond in ways programmed into them by their human creators. This can be done through many methods, including but not limited to:
- rule-based systems
- decision trees
- genetic algorithms
- artificial neural networks
- fuzzy logic systems
But when exactly did artificial intelligence make its way into the medical field? AI programs were first used in the healthcare industry in the 1970s. Since then, AI-driven applications have revolutionized the healthcare sector by cutting costs, enhancing patient outcomes, and boosting overall efficiency.
Benefits of AI in Healthcare
Without further ado, let’s delve into the uses of AI in healthcare.
1. AI can help predict patient outcomes
Artificial intelligence is already being used in healthcare to help doctors and other clinicians make better decisions. One way AI does this is by analyzing patterns in data to predict patient outcomes. That allows doctors to identify at-risk patients and take steps to prevent them from worsening. Another way artificial intelligence can be applied to healthcare is computerized analysis, allowing physicians quickly diagnose rare conditions that are not yet well understood. AI also helps medical professionals avoid fatigue and find errors in their work faster, which improves the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.
2. Improve patient engagement and care coordination
The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare can help to improve patient engagement and care coordination. By providing patients with personalized recommendations and follow-ups, AI can help ensure they receive the best possible care. AI is used to develop patient engagement apps that tend to be more effective than traditional patient portals. The apps provide patients with personalized content and recommendations based on their individual needs. Additionally, AI can be used to improve care coordination by providing clinicians with real-time data about their patients. This information can help clinicians make better decisions about how to best care for their patients.
3. Artificial intelligence can help streamline administrative tasks
AI can help streamline administrative tasks in healthcare organizations. This is because AI can automate scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and handling billing and insurance claims. As a result, this can free up time for healthcare professionals to focus on more important tasks. Another benefit of AI in healthcare is that it can help with repetitive tasks. For example, if a doctor needs to fill out the same paperwork for every patient, an AI can be trained to do that for them. This can free up their time to see more patients or focus on other tasks.
4. AI and machine learning detect fraud and waste in the healthcare system
Fraud and waste are significant problems in the healthcare industry. They can drive up costs and cause patients to receive substandard care. AI can help detect these problems by analyzing data to identify patterns that may indicate fraud or waste. This can help healthcare organizations save money and improve patient care.
5. AI-enabled chatbots can provide 24/7 access to information and support for patients
Chatbots can provide patients with around-the-clock access to information and support, which is especially beneficial for those who may not have regular office hours or live in remote areas. These chatbots are often programmed to remember important patient history details such as medications, allergies, diagnoses, emergency contacts, and procedure codes. These programs can also be customized to suit specific patient needs such as giving language preference options for non-English speakers or adding a button for religious requests.
Common AI Applications in Healthcare
There are various benefits to using artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare purposes. AI can help clinicians make better decisions, diagnose faster, and save costs. Here are four typical AI applications in healthcare:
Virtual nurses
One of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare is the development of virtual nurses. These computer programs provide patients with support and information and answer any questions they may have. Virtual nurses can help manage chronic conditions, educate on healthy lifestyle choices, and even offer emotional support. One particular program called PARO is a robotic seal pup that offers relaxation therapy for people living with dementia. Patients who interact with PARO report a reduction in anxiety, agitation, and mood improvement.
Medical management
One benefit of AI in healthcare is its potential to help manage medications. For example, an AI system could be used to keep track of a patient’s medication history and ensure that they are taking their medications as prescribed. Additionally, AI can help identify potential drug interactions and side effects.
Digital consultation
Digital consultation is when a patient can consult with a doctor or specialist without having to leave their home. This is especially beneficial for those living in rural areas or with limited mobility. Digital assistants are programmed to understand natural language and respond accordingly. They are also capable of analyzing and acting on complex data, which allows them to provide personalized health advice based on the needs of each individual. In addition, they can give reminders and alerts, track prescriptions, order prescription online like Get an Online Prescription for depression, help manage appointments, and provide emotional support.
Wearable devices
These devices track everything from heart rate to steps taken and can be used to provide real-time feedback to patients. This information can be used to improve patient outcomes by helping them make changes to their lifestyle or treatment plan. Additionally, The devices can track patients’ vitals and send alerts to doctors or caregivers if something appears to be wrong. This is especially beneficial for elderly patients or those with chronic conditions who may not be able to keep track of their health as well as they should.
Closing Thoughts
As we can see, there are many benefits to implementing artificial intelligence into the healthcare industry. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we provide care and make decisions about treatments. With so much potential, it’s important for healthcare organizations to start exploring how they can use AI to improve their operations.
Author bio:
Merry is a singer, songwriter, blogger, a book marketer, and recovering worship leader. For two years, Merry had the amazing opportunity to minister Christian youth with her Mom, also serving as Sunday school teacher. She is now happily living with her four sisters and both parents. She also enjoys travelling, photography, and playing with her two dogs.