ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE
It is not news that artificial intelligence is fast becoming the new normal. Gone are the days when we depend solely on human beings for health care services. Today, with the number of technologies launched almost every day, we can say that in a decade to come, some healthcare professions would have gone into extinction. For example, let us take a look at the new radiological tools. AI algorithms already outmatch radiologists. They spot tumours better than the radiologist
So, what is artificial intelligence?
What are the roles of artificial intelligence in health care?
What are the pros and cons in the healthcare sector?
Should healthcare professionals be scared?
This post will discuss everything listed above
Artificial intelligence is simply garbage in garbage out thingy. Specifically, a computer algorithm can mimic human cognition based on the data it has been fed. That is, to get a practical insight you must have fed the machine with extensive data.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare is the ability of a computer algorithm or software to gather data, process and present a clear-cut output to the consumers. It does this through a series of algorithms.
However, AI is like an umbrella that carries different bodies. Not all these bodies are relevant to the healthcare sector. Let us look at some relevant AI technologies below
Machine learning (ML): is a type of artificial intelligence where algorithms learn from the data provided/programmed to the machine. Simply put, you provide the computer with extensive data. The computer will then learn from the data provided. ML is the most common type of AI. ML can be used in paying medical bills, making clinical decisions, developing clinical care…
Natural Language Processing (NLP): this form of Al can understand human language, speech and text. Its existence has helped in making the right diagnosis through the processing of unorganized health data to uncover an overlooked or previously missed condition while taking the patient history.
Rule-based experts system is a computer-based program that has been programmed to provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Rule-based expert system is quite different from other medical software because it is designed to mimic clinical reason
Administrative application: this help in various aspect of administration like collating data, documentation, referral information, patient history…. These and many more are the forms of AI in the healthcare sector.
Let us look at some pros that come with using artificial intelligence in the health sector
Easy accessibility: limited access to life-saving healthcare services in some developing and underdeveloped area remain one of the challenges in the healthcare sector. For residents of the affected area, the mortality rate is higher. With the advancement in artificial intelligence, expanding access to care in these regions through AI will lead to an efficient healthcare system for the residents.
Imagine getting treatment right from your bedroom. Some applications and personal devices can now facilitate patient diagnosis and treatment. With AI innovations, there are more possibilities in the health sector
Timely diagnosis: late diagnosis always comes with serious consequences for both the patients and the healthcare provider and may attract substantial costs. Interestingly, AI tools can now present patients health issues through data assessment. With NLP tools, healthcare professionals can compare their patient health data which will, in turn, lead to a more accurate diagnosis.
Less time consuming: with AI innovations, health professions can now work efficiently. With the data assessment made easy, health professionals can focus more on saving more lives and acting faster
Cost-effective: compared to traditional methods of healthcare services, AI is cost-effective. With AI, we can get more accurate diagnoses. Thereby, reducing the money spent on the laboratory.
Improve health through wearable & personal devices: life has never been this easy. With your smartphone, wristwatch and other personal devices, you can have access to healthcare services through valuable data that has been collated from you.
Robotic assistance: with the robotic application, machine learning and other forms of AI we can have complex surgeries efficiently with 100% accuracy. It also makes post-surgery healing faster.
Of course, with everything that has pros, there are cons. Let us look at some of the disadvantages of AI in healthcare.
Errors: AI depends heavenly on data. In cases where there are limited or errors in data input, it will lead to a defective diagnosis. This may cause a great disadvantage to the patient. Developers need to make sure that the data collated represents the diversity of disease and population.
Cyberattack: even though AI has become a vital tool in tackling cyber security attacks. Hackers are also using it to attack cyberspace. With a deep understanding of machine learning and other forms of AI, hackers can be more efficient in carrying out their job. Developers must learn the first line of defense to keep cyberspace safe.
Needs human intervention: AI has been here for decades and has been developing. With the ever-increasing advancement in AI, it is still impossible to act like humans. Hence, the need for human intervention. AI is programmed to act logically. Sometimes, logic doesn’t work for humans. Some situation needs a human touch, empathy and sympathy. AI is incapable of that and this gives humans an advantage over AI
Should healthcare professionals be scared?
AI is not just affecting the healthcare sector. From education to human resources, supply chain management, marketing, logistics, advertising… just name it. Sadly, it won’t stop there. In decades to come more industries would have been affected by the advancement of AI. Even with that, some professions can’t be replaced because humans are emotional people. Just as stated above, sometimes logic doesn’t work for humans. We need a human touch. We need emotional support. With these, we can say AI will be a great assistance to nurses and doctors especially in reducing their workload and improving the quality of healthcare. However, you shouldn’t be scared but rather be prepared to leverage Artificial Intelligence to further and monetize your career.
Therefore, the question should be, how can we leverage Artificial Intelligence to boost our career as a healthcare provider?
