The role AI plays in improving the health-sector

Abstract

Our intelligence is what makes us human, and AI is an extension of that quality -Yann LeCun Artificial intelligence (AI) is an advancing discipline in computer science that seeks to develop robots capable of doing activities that conventionally require human intellect. AI encompasses several methodologies, including machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing. Large language models are AI algorithms that use deep learning methods and vast datasets to comprehend, condense, produce and forecast novel text-based content. Large language models are designed to produce text-based material and have wide-ranging usefulness for many natural language processing tasks, such as text production, translation, content summarisation, rewriting, classification, categorisation and sentiment analysis. Natural language processing is a specialised area within the study of AI that specifically deals with the exchange of information between computers and people using natural language. This includes tasks such as comprehending, interpreting and producing human language. Natural language processing encompasses a range of methods, including text mining, sentiment analysis, voice recognition and machine translation. Throughout its development, AI has seen substantial changes, progressing from rule-based systems in their early stages to the present era of machine learning and deep learning algorithms.[1] The vast majority of people believe that AI is a relatively new phenomenon that has just emerged in the area of healthcare research. History takes us back to the middle of the previous century when Alan Turing conceived of the concept that he discusses in his article in MIND, which is a Quarterly Review of Psychology and Philosophy. In the very first phrase of the journal, Turing asks, ‘Can machines think’?[2] During the organisation of a conference in 1956, John McCarthy, a highly respected figure known as the ‘Father of AI’, used the phrase ‘AI’ to label the event. The meeting was named the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on AI, and McCarthy’s objective was to ascertain the feasibility of properly defining intelligence in a manner that would enable a computer to mimic it accurately. This event was the stepping stone to modern AI.[3] The COVID-19 epidemic had a profound influence on almost every aspect of our modern society, leading to unparalleled transformation and upheaval in our lifestyles, employment, communication, transportation, social interactions, education, leisure activities and commerce. AI tools and technologies have been used to enhance several aspects of disease management during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disease surveillance, screening, diagnostics, case detection, prediction, risk stratification, medication and vaccine development, resource allocation and socio-economic interventions. Despite their immense potential, these AI technologies have had little, if any, influence on the response to this catastrophic epidemic. A significant number of the prediction models that were published lacked sufficient reporting, and the majority of them exhibited poor accuracy, limited predictive capability, a substantial risk of bias and methodological deficiencies that restricted their potential for medical and therapeutic applications. The challenge may have arisen due to the limited availability of credible COVID-19 datasets, insufficient historical data and inaccurate training data. Therefore, researchers may have had to depend on inconsistent and unreliable data acquired infrequently and from various geographical locations. Moreover, significant problems arise from the often inadequate execution and utilisation of AI technologies, including the methods by which they are disseminated, assessed, managed and supervised.[4] Robot-assisted operations will replace expensive procedures, benefiting both patient care and cost efficiency. AI will simplify the arduous work of managing medical records. This procedure will become faster and more efficient using AI technologies. The diagnosis of ailments will be more efficient and accelerated than that of a doctor, allowing for faster treatment. AI, combined with real-time data, will considerably simplify healthcare decision-making. AI offers effective monitoring and management of individual patient information, resulting in improved patient care and treatment. This will reduce human workload allowing them to concentrate on more beneficial duties. Attending to a patient’s critical mental well-being is one example. AI has the potential to greatly speed up and improve administrative activities in healthcare, resulting in a 30% decrease in healthcare costs. When compared to conventional approaches, the application of AI in wearable healthcare equipment might allow for faster diagnosis of concerns. The integration of AI in healthcare will result in lower healthcare costs, guaranteeing universal access to important healthcare services. The use of AI will reduce the time necessary for diagnosis and treatment.[5] AI might be advantageous in India, where healthcare is costly and lacks universal accessibility. Implementing AI in basic healthcare facilities will result in cost reduction, thereby increasing the affordability of critical treatments for all individuals. AI will be beneficial in situations where both communicable and non-communicable illnesses become more widespread and novel viral infections emerge. AI has the potential to expedite the process of diagnosing illnesses and enhance the effectiveness of treatment. The increasing population exerts pressure on healthcare personnel, resulting in sleep deprivation and mental fatigue. Consequently, their provision of care to patients and the effectiveness of their treatments are diminishing. AI-smart robots have the potential to assist healthcare workers in enhancing patient care and treatment efficiency while reducing their labour. Therefore, AI will effectively treat a greater number of patients, diminishing the disparity between the demand for medical services and their availability in our nation. AI-enabled smartwatches and bracelets will assist individuals in diagnosing minor ailments. They will economise on both time and money by abstaining from visiting a hospital. The potential of AI is vast and will continue to expand each year as a result of societal advancements and its immense advantages for humanity.[5] Similar to other innovations, there are legal and ethical concerns regarding the application of AI in healthcare. Considerable expenses and potential hazards may ensue due to the necessity of AI to develop secure and efficient health-care applications and process immense quantities of data. This topic has acquired considerable significance throughout history.[6] Blood pressure, glucose monitoring and pulse rate were historically restricted to medical professionals. Nevertheless, mobile applications have emerged as the dominant force in these tasks at present. However, this transition could potentially infringe on patient autonomy, privacy and confidentiality. Ensuring the confidentiality of patients requires the implementation of robust data protection measures, which requires the enactment of suitable legislation. Nations worldwide have passed legislation to protect their citizens’ privacy, as is evident from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in the United States and the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe.[7,8] Furthermore, the rising frequency of cyberattacks, which can jeopardise patient data and safety, is a further reason for alarm. To counteract this perilous inclination, it is essential to proactively avert these potential hazards. If we can effectively manage our expectations and adapt to the ongoing advancement of this technology, setting realistic goals, we may be able to fulfil some of our long-standing aspirations. To achieve this, it may be helpful to use lessons learnt from prior experiences as a source of guidance. It is crucial to acknowledge that achieving success in the medical field is consistently challenging, and both humans and AI are unable to change this fact. ‘If we do it right, we might be able to evolve a form of work that taps into our uniquely human capabilities and restores our humanity. The ultimate paradox is that this technology may become a powerful catalyst that we need to reclaim our humanity’ – John Hagel

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