Andreea Iorga

Daily AI: Health

As we are surrounded by technology, the power of AI is growing in everywhere. So, why not explore the possibilities that AI can have in the health industry?

April 2, 2023 12:35 PM

5 MIN READ

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Unsplash

Let’s face it – AI is everywhere now! Especially when it comes to our health.

It goes without saying that in the last couple of decades, technology and, automatically, artificial intelligence (AI) have had a critical part in the expansion of various sectors. And the industry of medical care is no exception. But it wasn’t always like that.

It might shock a lot of you, but, AI dates back to the ‘50, when Alan Turing, wondered if machines could think for themselves. And as it turned out, in the ‘70, AI was introduced into the healthcare system.

In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a useful tool for the healthcare industry, with the aim of enhancing its operations. However, AI is mainly used in the form of online chatbots, as well as in the realm of diagnosis and treatment. And, let’s be honest here, I think all of us talked at least once when making an appointment with an AI consultant, or chatbot.

However, when it comes to healthcare, technology has started being used long ago in multiple and innovative techniques. From designing algorithms that can detect cancer in the early stages to 3D printing to even performing an easy operation by a robot using motor-dexterity algorithms.

But the implementation of artificial intelligence in the medical care industry is not limited to only helping doctors and medical specialists. On the contrary! It impacts us as individuals as well.

In neurology, AI is increasingly being utilized in this field, its purpose being to assist in the observation and treatment of patients suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Its skills include the ability to track and compare results from cognitive tests received from the patient, as well as to interpret speech recordings and provide recommendations for further action. The larger and more accurate database of patient information that AI can access further enhances its diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Even if we are not aware of this, the digitization of health care is more present in our daily lives than we imagine. Let’s explore this!

Most of us wear a smartwatch or even a smart band, right? These devices are mainly used for their accessibility as a replacement for mobile phones when it comes to some activities – whether it is to answer a phone call or pay for our groceries. However, these devices can also be used as fitness or healthcare trackers due to their AI technology.

With the help of AI technology, these devices become tailored for each individual user by monitoring their activities. The technology offers insightful suggestions and recommendations for enhancing daily routines, recommending how to improve our daily routine to enjoy overall better well-being.

But while wearable technologies do not provide comprehensive monitoring, they are extremely useful nonetheless for tracking our vital signs. From daily steps to burned calories to blood pressure and heart rate. Even more so, those highly advanced devices can also track the quality of our sleep and even monitor medication adherence.

There’s no denying that there is still a need for more advancements in the wearable technology field regarding health care. However, more and more companies are starting to implement AI technology to create an even more efficient system of monitoring our health, by obtaining information customized to our specific requirements.

Even more so, after the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, the use of telemedicine has substantially increased. Telemedicine refers to the practice of doctors or medical specialists adopting digital devices, even if we’re unable to personally come to the clinic or hospital. Typically, healthcare professionals opt to give assistance through video calls. However, there are also some people who prefer to communicate via phone calls or even email messaging.

But telemedicine is more than just asking for advice on the phone!

Telemedicine can even represent the use of AI (artificial intelligence) by medical specialists to remotely monitor, evaluate and even diagnose us. This is incredible for people who have difficulty moving or are physically incapable of doing it.

Additionally, with telemedicine, medical specialists can now manage in real-time how our health progresses (or worsens). For this reason, with the ability to observe chronic health conditions – such as diabetes or heart disease, our doctors can now prevent the development of even more severe symptoms.

But without a doubt, the medical care industry has been revolutionized by the implementation of virtual assistants and chatbots powered by AI.

Be honest! How many times have you googled your symptoms and diagnosed yourself based on what you read online? We’ve all been there – we have a migraine, and suddenly we think it’s a brain tumor.

That’s why AI health assistants and chatbots are essential to us. Not everyone can afford to call their doctor or even go to the clinic, whether it is because of the money or the time. But with these technologies, we can communicate with an AI-based model that is programmed to recognize our symptoms and give us a better diagnosis than what we would diagnose ourselves. While we are far from this being a better option than being professionally diagnosed, it provides us with a personalized experience to better understand our issues than we would alone. And the best part - the cost are reduced!