THE SMART PATIENT & SMARTER HEALTHCARE: HOW YOU CAN HELP AI WORK FOR YOU s a critical-care RN and
A healthcare administrator, I can tell you firsthand that artificial intelligence( AI) is no longer a futuristic dream, as it is shaping our medical care today. From easing paperwork for doctors to spotting medical risks earlier, AI is moving rapidly into the exam room and even into our homes.
It’ s exciting to know that New Jersey is the leading hospital AI-adopting state.
In 2024, 66 % of U. S. physicians said they believe AI offers a real advantage in healthcare and report using AI in their practice. That was up from just 38 % in 2023. Hospitals are relying on AI for tasks like patient monitoring and making care delivery more efficient, and 92 % of Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash healthcare leaders say automation and AI are essential to managing staffing shortages.
We are already seeing practical examples of AI-driven care, such as a digital hand-hygiene monitoring system, which senses when healthcare staff don’ t wash their hands after leaving your exam or hospital room. This system gives them a reminder, which boosts staff compliance, helps reduce infections and keeps patients safer.
Another innovative program uses AI to help identify individuals at higher risk for falls, a crucial issue for older adults and those in long-term care.
There is an AI tool that helps radiologists screen CT scans for conditions such as brain bleeds, clots and fractures, speeding up the diagnosis of serious conditions.
Another AI application predicts which patients are at high risk for avoidable emergency room visits and on a very practical level, there are platforms that help with symptom gathering, streamlining appointment scheduling and prescription refills, giving patients access around the clock.
Early Warning Systems
At home, your Apple Watch and Fitbit are early warning systems to catch heart issues and AI-powered blood pressure monitors automatically log and send reports to your doctors. You can use symptom checker apps such as Ada, Buoy, or MyAI- Health to suggest possible conditions or next steps as a guide, but not a replacement for medical advice.
When patients bring this kind of accurate, up-to-date data to their providers, AI can make it even more useful, spotting trends, identifying risks and supporting better decision-making.
Now, how can you be a“ smart patient” in this new era? Start by asking questions: How is AI being used in your care? What data does it rely on? What are its limits?
Make sure to share accurate, up-to-date health information, as your honesty makes the data stronger. Provide feedback if results don’ t seem right and always ask how your privacy is being protected.
The bottom line is this: AI doesn’ t replace doctors, but it can give them more time to listen and care. As patients, we have a role in making sure these tools serve us well. By staying curious, informed and engaged, we can help our providers use AI responsibly, making healthcare smarter, safer and even more human.
Councilwoman Marlene G. Baldinger, RN
10 lebanonboro. com