AI In Healthcare: The Good, The Bad, And The Impact

Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing industries, with sector funding up by 108% in 2021. Among those investments and developments are applications for medical care and hospital administration. So, what is MedTech AI? ?How is it used? ?What are the pros and cons? And can we harness it responsibly?

What is AI in Healthcare?

Medical AI systems use artificial intelligence to improve the workload of medical professionals and the patient experience. They are a big deal for large hospital systems and health insurance providers that can make use of data collection, research, and customer service tools. In some cases, AI is used to enhance or fine tune diagnostics and personalize treatment.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Currently Applied In Medical Settings?

A big focus of AI in healthcare is the idea of bringing in systems to do tedious admin, organizational jobs, filing, research tasks, and similar roles. This ties in with the rise in smart apps for a better customer experience and health monitoring. Recent data shows 350 AI-based devices approved for use in the U.S alone. While it's not a lot, it's a start.

Originally, the vision was much grander. There were bold predictions that AI?in HealthTech would take over the jobs of highly skilled medics - such as radiologists treating cancer patients, or diagnosticians. The reality is it is not even close. Still, there are some medical devices that rely on AI. Robot-assisted surgery is on the rise, and many hospitals benefit from diagnostics in computer-guided radiology machines. AI certainly has the potential to improve and accelerate medical innovation, but it also some challenges. Adoption of AI in healthcare has to be responsible and fully aware of the pitfalls.

The Benefits Of Bringing AI Into Healthcare

Let’s explore some of the pros of AI in medical settings and healthcare in general:

1) Faster access to data

This means real-time access to patient information for efficient consultations and results. Medics can get the information they need much faster, allowing for more efficient diagnoses and putting patients on the right course. In turn, we should see shorter waiting times and less stress. A 2014 study by BMJ Quality & Safety shows that 12 million adults in America are misdiagnosed each year. Additional newer studies reinforce this finding (see for example this one from the Mayo Clinic).?AI could change that.

2) Improvements in patient systems

AI also means better algorithms for setting up appointments and dealing with records and waiting lists. Patients are hanging on the line trying to reach the right person or struggling to find the department they need. Those apps for patient experiences , therefore, could get smarter and more user-friendly, making everything more efficient. For example,?Buoy?Health?is an AI-powered health assistant that can prioritize patients having COVID-19 symptoms, saving valuable time.

3) Saving valuable time

AI also frees up time for real individuals?to get on with more important tasks. Physicians spend 34%?- 55% of their time taking notes and analyzing traditional patient records. Rather than lose time on menial tasks, staff can handle patients and not rush around handling papers and records.

4) AI can use its big brain to gather information

In addition to finding data, AI is ideal for research purposes. It can gain access to a big pool of knowledge for better responses to queries and results. Again this frees up time for doctors, experts and consultants. It can also aggregate and cross-reference data, creating ever learning and adapting models that can later serve as the foundation for new medical innovation.

The Disadvantages Of Using AI in Healthcare

While Artificial intelligence is not Artificial consciousness, and we can’t expect to see the rise of the machines any time soon, it does have some challenges and ethical issues that anyone planning to use it for innovation should remember: ?

1) AI doesn't care about anyone

With AI, hospitals deal with a cold robotic system that is entirely objective and results-driven. It can't see the human emotions behind a diagnostic result or make decisions with empathy. AI can help get the data, but the interpretation still requires human eyes and approach.

2) AI doesn't have a medical license

There is only so much AI can do on its own. It can't sign off on big decisions and shouldn't get that option. It also isn't guaranteed to be accurate due to the risk of system faults. Accountability is, therefore, a major concern that AI-based healthcare app developers should always keep in mind.

3) Potential job losses

The flip side to taking on human jobs is taking the place of those in junior and admin positions. While AI can help accelerate processes, it should not be at the expense of people. It should be used to impact economy and society positively, not the other way around.

4) Security issues

Online security will always be an issue. System hacks through cyber-attacks could result in data leaks, a loss of information, poor responses, or a complete shutdown of equipment. At the end of the day AI is still a machine dependent technology. It is a software model that learns and adapts. As such, it can be influenced by external factors and malicious code or data injected into the system.

The Current Impact Of AI In Healthcare

Right now, attitudes around artificial intelligence in medicine are generally positive, although understandably cautious. The impact hasn't been yet as broad as expected, with key developments limited to specific areas. So, why so slow?

Those that are pragmatic about MedTech AI systems recognize the importance of working slowly - walking before they can run. This means going field by field to create the right algorithm for the right system. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when there are so many types of centers and clinics with their own needs. There is also the issue of the mammoth task of reorganizing data to suit AI applications, as well as the looming issues of regulation.

AI In Healthcare Is An Option When Used Responsibly

While there are potential risks when using AI in the medical industry, these should stop us from developing effective systems. There is no reason why we can't continue to implement AI in healthcare where it makes sense to do so - and to do so responsibly.

It is all about providing those benefits for patients and staff without any risks of poor service or mistakes. We can't pretend that health industry AI systems will ever be perfect. They will always need someone overseeing the work and reports, signing off, and making sure everything is in order.

There is room for more advancement and a greater rollout of services across hospitals and other medical settings. This goes back to those previous ideas of machines for tests and imaging. There is room to expand on this with oversight to allow for clinical procedures and analysis in one effective machine. But, that new machine can't be left to make its own decisions, and potentially damage hospital-patient relations.

Above all, HealthTech developers need to remember some basic truths. Patents don't want to be treated the same or feel like there are on some conveyor belt system without compassion or room for discussion. They also don't want dollar values overtaking the value of their physical and mental health.

AI Healthcare Options Must Grow In The Right Direction

The global market for AI in healthcare was an estimated $6 billion in 2021, with projections for growth up to $64 billion by 2027, That's a massive investment and undeniable interest in getting this right for all those that believe in the potential of AI in medical care. As long as we treat it right, don't become over-reliant, and don't overlook human factors and issues, the future could be bright.?