Last week we introduced how artificial intelligence is defined as well as how it is currently being used in the medical arena. This week, in the second installment of this two-part series, we will consider the potential future role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Introduction
Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA), published a policy statement regarding its view of “augmented intelligence” (the term it uses in place of AI)1. Overall, AMA has a favorable view of AI as playing a key support role in providing high quality medical care. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, Chair-Elect of the AMA, spoke further on this topic2:
“Combining AI … systems with an irreplaceable human clinician can advance the delivery of care in a way that outperforms what either can do alone. But we must forthrightly address challenges in the design, evaluation and implementation as this technology is increasingly integrated into physicians’ delivery of care to patients. As technology continues to advance and evolve, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that augmented intelligence is used to benefit patients, physicians, and the broad health care community.”
The AMA represents the interests of approximately 225,000 physicians and medical students across America. According to its policy statement, it will work to engage with the various stakeholders to set priorities as AI continues to develop. The policy emphasized that physicians should have the appropriate skillset to effectively use AI technology and that medical students should be trained on how to integrate AI systems into medical care.
A number of national and international conferences have hosted speakers and workshops on AI’s future role in healthcare. Most notably, at the 2018 World Medical Innovation Forum, which focused on advancements in artificial intelligence, a number of notable healthcare faculty and thought leaders presented specific devices and treatment methodologies that are likely to be used in the healthcare industry.
The remainder of this article will focus on four areas of the healthcare industry where AI is likely to be applied.
1. Next-Generation Radiographic Tools
One of the most important tools in the proverbial medical tool belt is accurate and detailed imaging. The most common non-invasive imaging techniques include x-rays, CT, and MRI scans. In some cases, it is necessary to use more invasive diagnostic techniques such as biopsies, which come with the added risks of bleeding, pain, and infection. As you read this, technicians, surgeons, pathologists, and interventional radiologists are working to develop the next-generation of diagnostics that will provide clinicians with granular information about a patient’s condition without having to use invasive procedures. Using AI to develop these “virtual biopsies” will enhance our understanding of how tumors behave and what are the most appropriate treatments.
2. Serving the Underserved
One of the gravest issues facing not only America but also the world is how to ensure access to quality medical care for those in underserved communities and developing nations. A cause of this disparity is a shortage of healthcare providers across the globe, and AI systems will be able to help by taking over some of the diagnostic duties that are usually carried out by humans. An example would be if an app could be developed for physicians that could scan medical images (for example, chest x-rays) and provide a given diagnosis such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or tuberculosis.
When developing such technology, it would be important to account for differing physiologies and environmental exposures amongst different ethnic groups and populations in varying regions of the world. Therefore, the AI system would need to be trained on a broad sample of patient data including from the region in which it is deployed.
Another way to increase the reach of clinicians is through smartphone apps. Using the AI technology embedded in a smartphone app and the high quality camera on their mobile phone, patients in the future may be able to take pictures of their eyes, skin lesions, medications, or infections in order to obtain a fast and relatively accurate diagnosis.
3. Minimizing Antibiotic Resistance
Due to the overuse of antibiotics worldwide, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. This has given rise to superbugs that no longer respond to standard treatment regimens. Many healthcare providers are considering how to apply machine learning to patient electronic medical records in order to identify those patients who are at risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Giving medical providers access to the mountains of electronic health data that hospitals and medical centers have will open up many new opportunities for AI in healthcare.
4. AI at the Bedside
With the healthcare payment structure moving away from a fee-for-service model it is important that healthcare providers find ways to limit the effects of chronic diseases, prevent sudden deteriorations, and limit the more expensive acute/life threatening events. This is something that can be accomplished with AI systems that help to better predict episodes such as seizures, heart attacks, and sepsis. This same technology has the potential to help with clinical decision-making and whether to continue care for critically ill, comatose, and dying patients.
Conclusion
AI has unimaginable potential and undoubtedly will play an essential role in many areas of our lives – including medicine. But in order for the full potential of AI to be reached, there are still some significant hurdles that need to be overcome. Some of these challenges include establishing ethical standards by which the technology can be used, making sure healthcare providers have adequate knowledge about AI so they can use it effectively, communicating with the media, and making sure that these solutions are affordable for the general public.
Kevin Anderson is a graduating medical student at Duke University School of Medicine and will be starting at LEK Consulting later this year. He’s most passionate about healthcare redesign, patient engagement, and the life sciences. His free moments are spent traveling and enjoying sporting events with his wife and daughter.
Image: Pixabay
References:
- “AMA Passes First Policy Recommendations on Augmented Intelligence.” HIPAA Compliance | American Medical Association, 14 June 2018, www.ama-assn.org/ama-passes-first-policy-recommendations-augmented-intelligence.
- Sheber, Sarah. “AMA Passes Augmented Intelligence Policy.” Journal of AHIMA, 22 June 2018, journal.ahima.org/2018/06/22/ama-passes-augmented-intelligence-policy/.
🔴 Interested in consulting?