Data collection companies such as IBM and Google have entered the space of machine learning in the health care industry, and for good reason! Artificial intelligence is using data and human inputs to discover and suggest treatment options and further assist doctors and other health care professionals in providing the best care possible to their patients. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is being used to promote preventative medicine and help further new drug discoveries.
Machine learning in health care is particularly useful because it is designed to identify patterns, utilize algorithms, and optimize data to provide helpful insight to physicians and other care providers. By combining these capabilities with patient health records and history, doctors can approach treatment options from a wider perspective that takes into consideration the patient’s entire history, as well as information provided from large sets of data. This comprehensive approach can be useful in treating and curing many of today’s more prominent diseases.
Of course, with any new advancement and implementation of technology, there are associated benefits and risks. To further complicate the matter, when it concerns the health care industry, it is also imperative to consider the possible ethical issues raised by such a new approach. As with any health care advancement, the most important thing to remember that the benefits must outweigh the risks.
The benefits of artificial intelligence in health care are plentiful. Certain tasks can be automated, allowing doctors and other health care professionals to spend more one-on-one time with patients. Artificial intelligence can analyze large sets of data in a timeframe that is usually much quicker than that of a doctor or other health care professional, which could be especially helpful in time-sensitive situations and in predicting a future analysis. Also, wearable AI such as FitBits can be used to collect data that helps your doctor determine the level of your health, courses of treatment, and how to reach personal health goals.
There are always associated risks and problems with the introduction of any new technology or approach and artificial intelligence in the health care industry is no exception. As AI can be used to automate administrative tasks, those who hold administrative positions are concerned with being replaced by faster and more cost-effective options. Also, just as with human doctors, there is a risk of error or injury, which may be unsettling for patients and healthcare professionals, alike.
The most important thing to remember is that artificial intelligence is typically used to assist us in our everyday tasks and activities. The purpose is to make the lives of humans easier and more manageable.
