This is a guest article and does not necessarily reflect the views and values of Impetus Digital.
As we continue to transition towards and rely more heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) as a practical, day-to-day tool, an increasing number of sectors are choosing to implement this futuristic technology. This is no truer than in the healthcare sector.
While once considered taboo, public opinion is turning toward the introduction of robotic assistance in the medical world. Recent reports show that more than half (54%) of healthcare professionals surveyed support the use of AI, while 61% want some form of international guidelines on its usage.
In reality, AI has the ability to make the virtual, non-practical tasks of medical workers easier, while also streamlining online healthcare processes for the average patient. Today, we’ll look at some of the ways that machines can make the business of being healthy that little bit simpler for both healthcare providers and patients alike.
Providers
As a healthcare provider, you have a duty of care to your patients. Effectively utilizing AI tools can make it significantly easier to ensure that you’re providing them with the help and support they need. Here are some examples.
Help with diagnosis
While any final diagnosis will need to be made by a medical professional, research has shown that reliance on AI makes it easier and quicker to diagnose conditions via X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and DXAs. AI can look for telltale patterns within the diagnostic process, making it much simpler for a doctor to identify a potential issue.
Helping to prioritize patients according to symptoms
Being able to prioritize the order in which patients are seen in accordance with the severity of their condition might have seemed like a pipe dream in the past. However, AI will make it possible to list, categorize, and then schedule appointments automatically in line with who needs to be seen the quickest.
Reduced admin with automated prescriptions
The hassle of scheduling and sending out patient prescriptions could also be a thing of the past thanks to virtual AI assistants. They’ll be able to organize the entire system, giving a medical provider the final say over whether to greenlight if a medication should be sent or not.
Patients
Most patients struggle with the virtual nature of some modern healthcare approaches, because they tend to lack the personal touch. Despite, by its very nature, being less human, AI can paradoxically help to bridge this gap by serving as a touchpoint:
Pre-contact support
Most medical professionals have limited capacity to speak to patients on an individual basis. AI makes it possible to get some level of medical guidance prior to speaking to a doctor, potentially helping the patient to feel more supported in their healthcare needs.
Round-the-clock contact
Reports suggest that as many as 57% of people prefer talking on the phone over reaching out to institutions via email. AI can make it so that phone lines can be staffed almost 24/7, with virtual helpers able to provide actionable feedback for patients during hours when medical staff might not be available.
Personalized follow-ups
The nature of AI means that it’s able to easily categorize, store, and “remember” specific facts about a patient’s case in much more detail than a human can. This ensures a personalized and neatly tailored follow-up response, which prevents a patient from feeling
like just another number.
We’re far from a reality where robotic doctors are taking temperatures. But, without question, the continued reliance on AI in the healthcare sector will continue to improve virtual experiences for decades to come.
About the Author
After completing his college degree, Graham Turner pursued a postgraduate opportunity in Europe, where he enjoyed several years studying and traveling across the continent. Now, he performs a teaching role back in his home country, and is fascinated by the intimate relationship between healthcare and technology.
About Impetus Digital
Impetus Digital helps life science organizations virtualize their in-person meetings and events through our best-in-class InSite Touchpoints™ and InSite Events™ offerings, delivered with white-glove service and 360° coverage and care. Leveraging our large portfolio of cutting-edge online collaboration tools, clients can seamlessly gather insights from, and collaborate with, internal and external stakeholders. To find out more about Impetus Digital, visit our website, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter, or book a demo at meetwithimpetus.com