Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in various sectors of the economy and society over the last few years. The buzz about ChatGPT, an advanced intelligence chatbot developed by Open AI, has contributed to the incorporation of AI in more business models. A recent report by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and AnsibleHealth reveals that ChatGPT passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Impressively, it achieved an accuracy score of 60% without assistance from clinical trainers.
AI is changing the healthcare system in myriad ways. Specifically, its adoption could lead to the US healthcare sector saving an estimated $200 billion to $360 billion in spending annually within the next five years. Beyond cost savings, the advantages of AI extends to enhanced quality healthcare delivery, greater access to care, and improved physician satisfaction.
AI can analyze large amounts of clinical data and identify trends and disease markers. It can predict outcomes from electronic health records (EHRs) and transcribe patient encounters in real-time.
The use of AI in healthcare is transforming patient experience, improving administrative processes, and enhancing physicians' productivity. It is projected that AI can reduce the time physicians spend working on administrative tasks, so they can spend 17% more time with their patients. Artificial intelligence has great potential to help medical professionals improve the health of their practices, gather valuable information, and make better decisions.
The benefits of AI in healthcare can improve the health system for both patients and physicians. In this article, we describe the different components within AI and their benefits in healthcare.
The Different Components of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare
AI technology uses data to perform human-like tasks and make informed decisions. It encompasses a diverse collection of tools. Depending on their specific functions, these tools can perform a variety of different tasks. Here are some of the different components of artificial intelligence in healthcare:
Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is one of the common forms of artificial intelligence. It analyzes vast amounts of clinical data to accurately predict outcomes for medical diagnosis and treatment. The Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns, analyze medical imaging and classify patients. As the ML model analyzes more data, the model learns, improving the quality of the results produced.
Two important elements of machine learning - neural networks and deep learning - have been instrumental in healthcare advancements. Both can be used in various ways, such as predicting disease likelihood by evaluating problems and assessing variables, assisting in medical detection through image data analysis, and enhancing speech recognition. Notably, deep learning, which involves more complex, layered neural networks, can often provide more nuanced analysis and predictions.
The use of artificial intelligence technology like machine learning can help medical professionals with disease diagnosis and the prescription of the right treatment to suit patients needs. Most AI technology in healthcare utilizes clinical data and medical images, employing machine learning and precision medicine to accurately predict outcomes. This process is called supervised learning. For unsupervised learning, unstructured data such as text and images are used to uncover hidden patterns.
Natural Language Processing
One of the goals of AI is to make sense of human speech and language. The Natural language processing (NLP) algorithm can reveal important clinical information from medical records. Specifically, NLP helps with speech recognition, saving medical professionals time from manually inputting clinical notes into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and classifying data to enable smooth interpretation of information and extracting insights. Clinicians use NLP to improve patient care by streamlining processes, enhancing diagnoses, and customizing services for patients.
Physical Robots
Physical robots are well-known in the medical field. From delivering hospital supplies to performing tasks and assisting in operating theaters, physical robots have evolved over time to become more intelligent, advancing healthcare practices. Since 2000, surgical robots have played a role in operating rooms, providing surgeons with improved visibility, precise incisions, wound stitching, and more. Some of the surgical procedures that use robotic assistance include prostate surgery and head and neck surgery. In most cases, robots collaborate with humans to perform specific tasks.
Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) AI was primarily developed for administrative purposes such as keeping patient records updated, authorizing records early on, automating billing, and extracting data. Contrary to the name, RPA does not involve physical robots but relies on computer programs on servers. These programs perform tasks according to a set of business rules. RPA technology, unlike other types in healthcare, is cost-effective and helps with repetitive tasks, thus saving clinicians valuable time.
Benefits of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare
Early Detection
AI technology has the potential to accurately detect malignant tumors, cancer, and other diseases early on, before they severely affect the patient's life. The use of AI for population screening enhances medical prediction capabilities, leading to significant reductions in disease progression. For instance, in the case of cancer, AI has improved detection rates, achieving results 30 times faster with 99% accuracy. This advancement reduces the need for invasive procedures like biopsies.
Enhanced Patient Experience
AI technology can significantly enhance the patient experience, enabling medical professionals to gain insights more quickly. By leveraging vast data sets, clinicians can streamline the medical process, thereby improving workflow efficiency for both patients and physicians.
Similarly, the increased use of AI to facilitate communication between physicians and patients can greatly enhance patient experience. A study reveals that 83% of patients believe poor communication significantly affects their experience. However, by using AI to gather patient data and reports, as well as improve accessibility, the patient experience can be greatly improved. For instance, AvodahMed's Nsight, an AI conversational platform, aids physicians in communicating more effectively with their patients. The experience is akin to a physical interaction, making it easier and more efficient for both the patients and doctors.
Medical Treatment
The benefits of AI in healthcare goes beyond early detection and diagnosis, and include assisting patients in managing their treatment by utilizing comprehensive plans. AI's ability to process large datasets yields rapid interpretation of patients' needs, reducing the time clinicians would typically spend analyzing information. According to Forbes, the use of AI has improved diagnosis, treatment, and advanced image scanning. An AI algorithm developed by MIT can analyze 3D scans up to 1,000 times faster than existing review systems.
The fast detection of patterns and trends can help curtail the outbreak of transmissible diseases such as COVID-19, with intelligent platforms capable of tracking similar symptoms. Overall, by analyzing a patient's medical records, AI can determine the best treatment plan for that patient and assist the physicians in proffering a tailored treatment.
Automate Administrative Tasks & Routines
A study by Annals of Internal Medicine showed that doctors spend 27% of their time with patients and 49.2% on administrative tasks. The utilization of AI can enhance doctors' productivity by automating routine tasks such as medical documentation, appointment scheduling, billing, and medication pick-up notifications. The excessive time spent on administrative tasks detracts from quality time with patients. To improve the medical practice experience for both patients and doctors, Avodah Nsight assists physicians by automating administrative tasks. It reduces the time spent on medical documentation with features like auto-charting, summarizing, and live auto transcription.
Increased Accessibility to Healthcare
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in the use of virtual visits and telehealth services. AI-powered virtual care allows patients to have medical consultations with their doctors from the comfort of their homes, reducing inconvenience and travel time. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty commuting. From symptom checks to pre-screening, intake forms, and other information, AI can help streamline the process, seamlessly transmitting information between parties online. Medical professionals using AvodahMed Nsight can offer their patients both on-demand and scheduled virtual visits, thereby improving patient experience and ensuring healthcare accessibility on the go.
The benefits of AI in healthcare are numerous and can advance medical practice in various ways. From early disease detection and precise diagnoses to streamlined administrative tasks and enhanced patient experiences, AI is revolutionizing the healthcare sector. AI Technologies like AvodahMed Nsight is providing innovative solutions that address key challenges faced by healthcare providers, reducing the burden of documentation and allowing them to focus more on patient care. As we continue to adopt AI in healthcare, we can expect more breakthroughs that will redefine our approach to medical practice, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients and medical professionals worldwide.
Discover AvodahMed Nsight
Nsight is a conversational AI platform that transcribes patient encounters in real-time. As an AI solution, Nsight alleviates the burden of administrative tasks for physicians and practice owners, enabling a stronger focus on quality healthcare delivery for patients.
Are you interested in incorporating AI into your medical practice? Contact us for more details on how AvodahMed Nsight can improve care for your patients and you. Click here.
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