Health Care in the Age of AI
RON GALLOWAY
Bracing for an Unpredictable
Revolution
A black swan event refers to an unpredictable , extremely rare happening that has severe consequences . Scholar Nassim Nicholas Taleb popularized the term to describe highly improbable occurrences that deviate sharply from the norm and carry an extreme impact . Unlike predictable white swan events that follow typical patterns , black swan events seem to come out of nowhere and catch us off guard , just like artificial intelligence ( AI ) has done this year , which has been one of the most remarkable years in the history of technology .
The advent of AI is surely a black swan event in health care , particularly in a demographically rural state such as West Virginia . Here are 10 ways AI and machine learning ( ML ) may help in delivering health care .
• Telehealth expanded by algorithms can diagnose and treat minor illnesses without in-person doctor visits . This increases access to care in remote areas .
• ML models trained on patient data can identify those at risk for conditions like heart disease or diabetes . Early detection facilitates preventative care .
• Hospital operations optimized by AI can track equipment , schedule staff and manage workflows . Efficiency improvements lower costs .
• Computer vision guides surgeons during complex operations with enhanced precision and minimal invasiveness . Patient outcomes and recovery improve .
• ML personalizes treatment plans based on genotype , biomarkers and lifestyle data for each individual . Care is tailored for optimum results .
• Advanced prosthetics utilizing biofeedback and braincomputer interfaces might restore mobility and function . This improves quality of life after injuries .
• AI triage chatbots screen symptoms and refer patients to the appropriate level of care . This eases overload on doctors and ERs .
• Logistics algorithms optimize ambulance routing and hospital bed assignments during crises . Capacity is managed for the greatest community benefit .
• ML tracks chronic diseases , providing care reminders and flagging any changes requiring intervention . Conditions stay controlled .
• Virtual reality therapy aided by biometric feedback helps patients overcome pain , anxiety , addiction and PTSD . Mental health is addressed .
But what about a practical , real-world way it could help right now ?
A recent article published in The Lancet titled , “ Artificial intelligence for breast cancer detection in screening
mammography in Sweden : A prospective , population-based , paired-reader , non-inferiority study ,” provided a startling look at how AI can help radiologists . The study looked at different combinations of AI plus radiologists and their accuracy in detecting breast cancer in mammograms .
A double reading by one radiologist plus AI detected more cancers than double reading by two radiologists . The radiologist-AI strategy was deemed statistically superior . Think about that for a second . One radiologist plus AI is better than two radiologists .
A single reading by just AI was comparable to double reading by radiologists , but a triple reading by two radiologists plus AI found the most cancers overall .
The results suggest AI can boost cancer detection when combined with radiologists more than radiologists alone can . AI-assisted interpretation caught the most cancers , demonstrating a new standard for life-saving mammogram analysis .
This study demonstrates AI ’ s immense potential to enhance disease diagnosis when combined with human expertise . The findings suggest AI systems can catch life-threatening conditions that overburdened doctors might miss . Implementing AI as a supplemental diagnostic aid could boost the accuracy of radiology , pathology , dermatology and other image-based specialties . The efficiency gains could expand access to expert-level health care in underserved regions lacking specialists .
However , care must be taken to avoid over-relying on AI , as human judgment remains essential in health care . Overall , this research foreshadows an emerging paradigm where AI and human clinicians collaborate to provide the highest standard of care to save lives . •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE