7 ways AI could make an impact on medical care
The technology can be used to aid medical research, assess potential diagnoses and protect networks.
7 ways AI could make an impact on medical care
Artificial intelligence soon will start having an immense impact on the medical field, according to a report from the Medical Group Management Association, which represents the nation’s group practices. AI can identify complex issues and read through large data sets. As it “learns,” it can predict the likely outcomes of a problem. Consequently, AI has the potential to completely revolutionize the industry. MGMA and Nora Mork, a techician and health care journalist, offer seven areas where it could make the most significant impact.
AI-powered robotic surgery
Surgical robots have assisted physicians for nearly three decades, either working beside the doctor or remotely via telesurgery. However, the robots only work as an extension of the surgeon’s hands and do not act independently. AI can work in conjunction with a surgeon by automating less critical tasks, such as suturing and reducing surgeon-to-surgeon variations, as well as collecting data from all surgeries to identify improvements that can be made in future procedures. MGMA acknowledges that it’s possible that AI robots may one day be the only surgeons present; until then, they can work together with doctors in the hospital.
Nursing assistants
AI is not replacing nurses, but there is room for virtual nursing assistants whose focus is entirely on the patient and can listen, talk, give advice and make decisions, simply by following a program prescribed by the attending physician. AI also could be used to check in on patients and medications, and signal a doctor if an intervention is necessary.
Medical diagnoses
Some hospitals already are working with AI-powered platforms to detect certain types of diseases, support faster diagnoses, reduce costs for giving a diagnosis and have the ability to remotely diagnose.
Medical imaging
The ability of AI to process images at high speed also can save lives, MGMA experts believe. “Image analysis platforms that are based on AI currently exist. They reduce the time needed to perform medical imaging procedures, provide enhanced 2D and 3D imaging, and enhance the diagnosis capabilities.”
Drug research
Pharmaceutical companies are using AI platforms to speed up drug discoveries. The platforms can assist in locating drug candidates. Further, multi-million-dollar projects are underway to discover molecules and cellular phenotypes, which are crucial for drug discovery.
Clinical trials
Trials are an area in which AI has a chance to really show its usefulness. Predictive analytics can identify insdtances in which research criteria changes, and that can make quick work of big data. “Clinical trials are really important for medical research and have a huge impact on the development of medications, treatments and patient care,” says Peter Sellers, a health writer at Ox Essays and Elite Assignment Help. “With AI, these can now occur more efficiently, at a lower cost and with higher accuracy of results.”
Data security
Criminals find medical information incredibly useful for stealing identities or selling the information, and AI can help keep medical records more secure. AI can identify patterns that signal known or unknown malware, and the technology can shut down or protect information networks when intrusion attempts are detected. MGMA will offer more updates on AI at its annual conference in October in New Orleans.