The development of new Artificial Intelligence methods of machine learning has changed healthcare forever.
Due to recent advancements in storage, processing and the availability of "Big Data" AI-based healthcare systems are improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment across healthcare. Indeed, there are some who believe that these systems will eventually either completely replace certain types of healthcare professional or, at the very least, augment their role.
The amount of healthcare data collected in recent years has exploded, these have helped to fueled AI’s advancements in healthcare. For example, data collected from fitness trackers and personal monitors is being analysed in ways that would just not be possible without AI due to the time and resources it would require.
How AI has helped in healthcare
AI-based systems are able to to gather, process and analyse vast amounts of data and generate insights such as predicting disease - this is a challenging task for humans. AI can assist physicians in assessing risk factors and can then help patients pre-empt these conditions with a long-term plan.
Images from scans and X-rays contain large amounts of complex data that can be difficult and time-consuming for humans to evaluate. AI can help identify and extract features from medical images, reveal new insights, assist with interpretation and help the propose care pathways in liason with other healthcare professionals.
Scheduling follow-up appointments with doctors is often delayed or sometime doesn’t even happen because of the time required and inconvenience. AI can help with a scheduling to reduces patient wait times by predicted expected wait times and sending patients invitations, confirmations, reminders and even cancellations - all automatically.
AI has already made a significant impact in healthcare, but experts predict there is more to come.
AI in healthcare is still in its early stages - but it is well-positioned to make positive impacts that will change healthcare forever. Clearly, this is good news for patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.