AI in Healthcare

Artificial doctor?

Artificial Intelligence is a big field and largely an umbrella term that encompasses natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) technology. Many believe the answer to accessing patient data and resolving some of healthcare's most complex challenges will rely on  AI and machine learning.

The hope is to use data at scale to allow clinicians to forecast outcomes and detect disease earlier. Specifically, AI has been applied to various use cases ranging from clinical notation, decision support, biomarker discovery, image-based diagnosis to genomic interpretation.

But we must be clear about the full potential impact AI, both the good and bad.

Researchers have discovered that Caucasians account for over 80% of gathered data in the field of genomics and genetics, making any genomic AI based research more applicable to that group than to other, underrepresented populations. Thus creating biased AI.

When datasets come from a representative population of patients, it can ward off bias but otherwise AI has the power to greatly augment deep-seated institutional bias. Biased AI algorithms have become a concern for providers and patients a like.

A survey of 926 patients, by Yale researchers, had two major findings that cemented a deep issue of trust :

1. Less than 10% of people feel comfortable with an AI diagnosis

2. 66% wanted to know when AI was used in their care

While there are many solutions AI can solve today, finding ways to reduce bias and encourage ethical use is still far away. Groups like the Coalition of Health AI are building outlines on how to create AI that benefits patients, is equitable, and promotes the ethical use of AI.

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In the News

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How tech companies are using AI to tackle clinician burnout, administrative headaches 

Fierce Healthcare

Amazon shuts down support for Alexa HIPAA-compliant programs for hospitals, payers

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The Future of AI and Digital Health

Digital Authority Partners

IBM's Deep Blue computer was able to beat chess champion Gary Kasparov in a six-game rematch, but did it become the first artificial intelligence (AI) to ever perform a task or solve a problem better than any one human mind could? Doctors use AI to more accurately and efficiently diagnose cancer from an MRI. Robotic dentists can be programmed to perform procedures like the insertion of dental implants. Virtual nursing assistants can offer advice and encouragement, gradually building a "personalized" relationship with the patient. 

Leveraging data and AI to deliver on the promise of digital health

Science Direct

Algorithmic Bias in Health Care Exacerbates Social Inequities--How to Prevent It

Harvard Public School of Health

For Patients to Trust Medical AI, They Need to Understand It

Harvard Business Review