Healthcare meet HAL
Healthcare meet HAL
Get ready — AI will very soon change healthcare as we know it.
In our rapidly developing world, it's more important than ever for business leaders in the life sciences to pay attention to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). While AI has not yet reached HAL 9000 levels, it has the potential to impact healthcare significantly in the short-to-near term and will only become more prevalent in the years to come. This article will explore how AI is used in healthcare today and its potential implications for the industry's future.
The potential is already here
As AI continues to evolve, the potential of its application in healthcare has become increasingly apparent. For starters, AI technologies can radically change clinical research and development. Historically, device and drug development have solely relied on direct human involvement, which adds time to the process in addition to the potential of human error, but with the continual development of AI-based systems, greater accuracy, and speed (not to mention cost savings) could be obtained due to improved data analysis capabilities. These capabilities will allow scientists and researchers to focus more on their science, freeing more time for innovation and improving patient outcomes.
Similarly, a wide range of applications for AI technologies exists for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and caregivers to manage patient treatments better. For instance, HCPs can use AI-enabled digital experiences to increase the efficiency of their workflows and utilize real-time data from these devices to supplement their insights and experience when diagnosing or treating patients. For caregivers, better managing their patient's care through AI-powered disease management apps will enable them to spend more quality time with their loved ones.
The use cases for patients continue to expand
As AI-driven technology matures and integrates into healthcare, patients can expect even higher accuracy in preventative treatments and prediction outcomes. One example could be that patients on cancer therapy may be able to predict the onset of side effects better and adjust their diet or exercise regime to compensate. Another use case is managing a patient’s health data that can sometimes span across EHR systems. For example, there AI could help patients pull together these different data streams, helping them better understand their health over a more extended period. While these benefits will have a positive impact, there will undoubtedly be trust issues with patients to overcome if AI is to be fully integrated into their treatment workflows.
Ethics and trust are key
As research and clinical development rely more on artificial intelligence, it is important to acknowledge the ethical considerations associated with using patient data. While it is easy to be all starry-eyed about all the potential benefits of AI in health, the life science industry must remain mindful of ethical considerations when developing new treatment approaches. For example, HIPPA will need to be strengthened and perhaps reevaluated to protect patient data better while considering the impact automated treatments may have on existing workflows and processes; the protocols must remain adaptive as the role of AI continues to shift and evolve.
With privacy comes trust, and clearly, we are not there yet. According to a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center, “60% of Americans would be uncomfortable with providers relying on AI in their health care.” Some 38% of respondents said using AI in healthcare settings would lead to better health outcomes, while 33% said it would make them worse, and 27% said it wouldn’t make much of a difference, the survey found. So while there may be the early beginnings of some eagerness to engage with AI on their health from some patients, the majority are still skeptical and will require more time to grow accustomed to what probably feels a little scary right now. Their doctors will also need to remain highly involved in the diagnosis and treatments since, as we said at the beginning of the article, AI is clearly not yet HAL, nor may it ever be.
What the future may hold
AI continues to make strides in healthcare, with promising therapies and treatments on the horizon. The next few years will be an exciting time for AI in the life sciences, and this technology will likely continue to revolutionize the field. With a sound strategy and the right digital tools, the life science industry and healthcare providers can use AI technologies to develop the next generation of tools, therapies, and devices faster and more effectively. Ultimately, the patient benefits most from this revolution – something everyone in healthcare should strive for.
Further Reading:
Top 10 Use Cases for AI in Healthcare
12 Ways AI Will Impact Healthcare