Artificial Intelligence – Paradigm Shift in Healthcare Industry

Healthcare industry is the last industries to implement technology due to the nature of the industry, saving and caring for the lives of the patients, with the exception being, the documentation of the patient records and financial details. The industry had been skeptical for the implementation of new age technologies especially for automation of the surgeries through robotics and other clinical evaluations until now due to the risk of human life involved. With the advent of IOT, Machine learning and AI, the medical industry if realizing the importance and the concept of technology being used for increased efficiency; reduce errors, 24*7 potential, non-disruptive and flexible and scalable models.

According to a 2016 report from CB Insights, about 86% of healthcare provider organizations, life science companies, and technology vendors to healthcare are using artificial intelligence technology. By 2020, these organizations will spend an average of $54 million on artificial intelligence projects.

Solutions AI is offering in the healthcare industry is also pushing the capabilities of automation and digital workforce as the industry is slowing realizing the importance of AI coupled with OIT, HL7 and robotics for commercial and patient outcome benefits.

Below are the four solutions AI is changing the medical industry paradigm, are many more will keep on doing the same in future….

1. Medical Records Management and Other Data

EMR and patient data record management for reference and past history in healthcare was and is an integral part of healthcare for better patient disease management. These data of the patients also is used in AI for treatment design by analyzing data, notes, reports of patient file, external research and clinical expert to help the consultant fine tune the treatment customized as per the patient.

2. Repetitive Jobs – Cost optimization & Increased Efficiency

Analyzing pathological tests, Radiology tests, X-Rays, CT scans, data entry, can all be done faster and more accurately by robots and machines using artificial intelligence. Cardiologists and radiologists in the future would be able to design the treatment more efficiently and only minor human intervention would be required for accessing the condition of the patient for treatment plan. 

3. Digital Consultation

Patient’s i.e. users report their symptoms in the application. Using speech to text conversion and the application uses algorithms on the database of illness based on the availability of the patients medical history. Eg Apps Babylon in the UK use AI to give medical consultation based on personal medical history and common medical knowledge assisted by a back end user to fine tune the recommendation.

4. Virtual Nurses and Well Being Consultation

Startup Sense.ly has developed Molly, a digital nurse to help people monitor patient’s condition and follow up with treatments, between doctor visits. The program uses machine learning to support patients, specializing in chronic illnesses.

In 2016, Boston Children’s Hospital developed an app for Amazon Alexa that gives basic health information and advice for parents of ill children. The app answers asked questions about medications and whether symptoms require a doctor visit.

AI and machine learning along with IOT, EMR, bio engineering and robotics in the future would redefine the medical industry as a tool for better diagnostics of the patient, medication, and minimize errors and increase efficiency and would still be cost effective. The future is HERE.