Modern Healthcare: Biological or Informational Industry? Challenges of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

By Dr. Bassam Darwish?

Consultant in Health Media and Medical Development

When I was commissioned by Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Executive Director of Academic Affairs at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), to translate the book "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" by Dr. Anthony Chang, I encountered many critical questions about the future of healthcare.

A pivotal question that emerged throughout the book was not whether artificial intelligence can replace doctors, but rather, how can AI be utilized to serve both healthy and sick individuals?

How can we invest in both human knowledge and AI to benefit humanity?

These are the questions that enable us to leverage AI technologies effectively, grounded in scientific principles and ethical foundations.

The Role of AI in Medicine

Dr. Chang, with his extensive experience and diverse qualifications, provides a compelling model for how AI can be effectively applied in healthcare. As the Director of Innovation at the Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute (MI3) at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, he demonstrates that healthcare is no longer solely a biological industry but has evolved into an informational one, driven by data and technology.

In Dr. Chang's book, a key phrase stands out: "Healthcare is an informational industry that still believes it's a biological one." This statement highlights the shifting reality in healthcare, which has long relied on biology as its foundation. However, with the ongoing digital revolution, healthcare now requires a fundamental shift in understanding and application.

?Healthcare: From Biology to Information

In the past, healthcare relied heavily on biological sciences for diagnosing and treating diseases. Doctors depended on clinical and laboratory tests, as well as pharmaceutical treatments.

However, with the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into daily life, it has become clear that data and information have become the cornerstone of improving the quality of healthcare.

Electronic health records (EHRs), big data analytics, and AI technologies are now essential tools in modern healthcare. Health data collected from wearable devices, health apps, and connected systems are used to analyze health patterns, predict diseases, and provide accurate treatment recommendations.

Modern Healthcare

AI is now at the heart of the digital transformation in healthcare. Using technologies such as machine learning and deep learning, intelligent systems can analyze vast amounts of medical data with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This transformation helps in diagnosing diseases more quickly and accurately, enhancing doctors' ability to make well-informed medical decisions.

However, the issue is not just about implementing software or robots in hospitals; it's about how these tools are managed and understanding their role in improving the quality of healthcare, enhancing safety, and reducing medical errors.

?Digital Transformation: Necessity or Luxury?

Given the rapid growth of AI applications in medicine, it’s clear that digital transformation in healthcare is no longer optional; it has become an urgent necessity to improve healthcare quality. Digital technologies provide more accurate and efficient solutions, helping improve the patient experience and reduce errors.

However, a critical question remains: Why do some healthcare institutions fail to achieve this transformation??

The answer lies in awareness and workforce preparation. AI is not just a technical tool; it’s a means to enhance healthcare systems' performance. Institutions that fail to adequately prepare their staff to embrace modern technologies may struggle to fully leverage these tools.

?Challenges of Digital Transformation in Healthcare

The biggest challenge facing healthcare institutions is how to effectively utilize AI and digital technology. Simply having access to technology isn’t enough; proper training for healthcare professionals is essential, along with creating a work environment that supports the use of these technologies. This requires building a new mindset that relies on data and information to deliver safer, higher-quality healthcare.

?Digital Transformation: An Investment in the Future

Modern technologies, such as AI and big data analytics, are not a luxury but a necessary investment to ensure continuous improvement in healthcare quality. To execute this transformation correctly, institutions must invest in digital infrastructure, train their workforce, and educate them about the importance of these tools in achieving safety, quality, and reducing medical errors.

?The Urgency of Digital Transformation

Digital healthcare is no longer a choice; it is a critical necessity for improving care quality and achieving better outcomes for patients. AI and big data are the tools that enable us to make this transformation, but success depends heavily on how this process is managed.

Digital transformation is not just about installing robots or software; it’s a comprehensive process that requires awareness, training, and a deep understanding of how to use these tools to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes. Institutions that embrace this vision will be well-equipped to deliver better healthcare and achieve long-term success.?

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