Artificial intelligence is intelligence that machines display. It helps machines mimic human behaviour by using large sets of data and different algorithms. For decades, many scientists have been focused on this field, and these years of research and improvement is why this field has seen unparalleled advancements. Almost every industry uses artificial intelligence, some more dependent on it than others. And the one thing that everyone can agree upon unanimously is that it has helped industries immensely.
One such industry is the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry has used AI for decades, and that is mainly why the industry has come such a long way. But there are more advantages that artificial intelligence offers and many more domains that can integrate AI to improve performance and results while decreasing man-hours and the overall cost. Here are 5 such domains that can reap more benefits from AI:
Use of Artificial Intelligence in radiology
The introduction of MRIs, X-Rays and CT scans has given the healthcare industry and specifically the field of radiology a touch of advancements. But there are still some infections for diagnosing which processes like tissue sample extraction by biopsies are required which are not as accurate. The use of artificial intelligence can give highly accurate and advanced radiology tools. AI-driven radiology tools can eliminate the need for tissue samples and biopsies to diagnose diseases and infections. They can help give a more non-invasive look into the working of the human body. The way diseases, infections, and tumours are treated will be improved by this.
Making good healthcare available in rural and underdeveloped areas
One of the major reasons that underdeveloped areas lack up-to-par healthcare facilities is the lack of trained professionals and technicians. In addition, the existing ones being concentrated in clinics and hospitals in the urban areas doesn’t help the case. The use of AI can help overcome the need for qualified clinical professionals by digitizing some of the diagnostic procedures which would otherwise require a trained human technician. This can significantly expand the accessibility of healthcare facilities to people in underdeveloped areas.
An example of this would be detecting diseases and infections like tuberculosis by a screening of chest x-rays by artificial intelligence imaging tools through an app that can be made available to people in rural areas. Algorithm developers need to be very vigilant to account for the fact that diverse ethnic groups or people living in different regions might have different physiologies unique to their group. And this can significantly impact the disease’s scale. Hence, specialists must keep the ethnic disparity in mind, when developing the algorithms.
Immunotherapy for cancer treatment
Using the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells and tumours is a promising approach for treating tumours and cancers. However, not all patients respond to this method, also known as immunotherapy, and oncologists have no accurate way of predicting which patients will respond to immunotherapy. The use of AI, however, can solve the problem. Since machine learning algorithms possess the ability to synthesize very complex datasets, the use of artificial intelligence may uncover new ways for targeting therapies to the unique genetic makeup of every individual. The researchers should obviously test new therapies before health care workers put them into practice.
Medical Equipment
The use of AI in medical equipment is nothing new or unheard of. In recent years, machine manufacturing companies have been turning to artificial intelligence to create higher accuracy and precision. From imaging machinery that uses augmented reality and AI to pinpoint cancers, tumours and such, to surgical devices, manufacturing companies are integrating AI into almost every machine used in the healthcare industry. Researchers are now working on machines to assist surgeons while they operate. This will allow them to concentrate better on the operation itself. These machines will do tasks that usually are done by nurses or surgeons. This is just one example of the focus of researchers. Many more companies have reasearchers working on a plethora of innovative machines that can further help this industry.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Customized Patient Care
AI will reduce the need of doctors, and bridge the gap between supply and demand. A doctor can only see so many patients a day. And this deprives many patients of timely personalized care. But using artificial intelligence with analytics and big data can change the game entirely. From customer interaction to diagnoses, AI will reduce doctors’ needs and bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Medicine is a fast-developing field. Healthcare industry workers are implementing new technologies every day. Considering how important the field is and the fact that there is absolutely no scope for mistakes and inaccuracy, it is imperative that we reduce human error. And using AI integrated machinery can help the industry achieve this. This also takes off some responsibility from doctors and surgeons. Albeit artificial intelligence will not replace humans’ needs; it will reduce the efforts their jobs require, helping them perform better. Artificial intelligence is the future for virtually any field, including the healthcare industry. And the quicker we realize that, and start adapting to the new norms, the better.