By Prabhavati Goswami
Artificial intelligence is not a recent technological innovation. It has become mainstream to use in last several years. Students and working professionals both use artificially intelligence systems or algorithms every day and seek assistance for their studies or projects, these systems or algorithms have relevantly reduced time and increased productivity. Tech giants like IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple are investing in artificial intelligence technologies for healthcare sector.
It is referred as integration of artificial intelligence as the fourth industrial revolution and this is as considered a better approach towards improving the standard living of people and groups all over the world. Consequently, the presence and application of artificial intelligence has both, its economic, ethical, social, security, as well as its employment effects on the global level.
It is estimated that by 2035, artificial intelligence will add to the annual economic growth rate an average of 12 developed countries, Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management 2018. Artificial intelligence and machine learning is currently revolutionizing the medical industry globally in the delivery of health care and other related services.
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular in the field of healthcare as an opportunity to improve patient satisfaction, optimize the processes of clinicians’ work and also helps minimise expenses. The application and implementation of other artificial intelligence technologies including deep date, machine learning and natural language processing allow healthcare providers to deal with large chunks of data and make more accurate diagnosis and give better treatment plans.
Artificial intelligence can help detect diseases before evident symptoms with the help of pervious large data available regarding the diseases and symptoms, it increases the efficiency of drug development, and enhances automation of the work with documents and less engagement in interaction with patients. During the Covid-19 pandemic, which has triggered the increase in the use of artificial intelligence – with the need for entities to attain a great healthcare delivery and the ability to organize patient care at the right time. Thus, Implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare is no less than a roller coaster ride, which met a number of challenges and obstacles in its development.
Challenges like data privacy, regulatory and legal barriers, lack of proven clinical evidence, misaligned incentives, ethical concerns and challenges in adopting the new artificial intelligence systems. It is important for the healthcare industries who intend to adopt and incorporate artificial intelligence in the delivery of health care services to understand these challenges in order to optimise on the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery and patient experience. Looking to the future, it can be safely concluded that artificial intelligence plays and will progressively deepen its part in the development of the medical industry. By using artificial intelligence in hospital settings, clinics and healthcare systems they can become smarter, faster and more efficient in providing care to millions of people worldwide.
AI-driven advancements in healthcare
Application of artificial intelligence in healthcare can help in rare disease diagnostics & treatment, drug development, medical diagnosis, reduction of dosage error, cancer research, personalized healthcare plans, healthcare monitoring and wearables, virtual nursing assistance, gene editing, AI robot-assisted surgery. Its application spans multiple domains, including administrative tasks. By leveraging advance algorithms and datasets, artificial intelligence can help analyse complex medical information, enabling faster and accurate diagnoses, improves outcomes and help streamline the healthcare process.
Diagnosis and predictions
The artificial intelligence algorithm can help analyse a disease and help provide a proper and effective scientific diagnosis backed by previous electronic health records (EHRs). It is also seen that the artificial intelligence systems have outperformed human radiologists in accuracy and speed of identifying malignant tumours in radiology images. Application of deep learning in healthcare is recognition of potentially cancerous lesions in radiology images. Unlike traditional way of statistical analysis, deep learning model is more like a human observer and hence it has potential to outperform the healthcare professional in terms of speed and accuracy. Machine learning, a key component of AI used in healthcare, has reshaped healthcare by enhancing medical diagnosis and treatments.
When it comes to predictions in healthcare industry employs multiple techniques including statistics, machine learning, data mining and artificial intelligence to achieve accurate prediction in medical sciences. “Was Covid-19 pandemic foreseen before the outbreak?” The answer is yes. A Canadian company named Blue Dot who built a predictive analytics and AI solutions, had issued a warning about an unfamiliar pneumonia case in Wuhan on 30th December 2019, World Health Organization released an official statement declaring the emergence of the novel coronavirus after 9 days of the prediction.
Personalised treatments
Artificial intelligence with help of patient medical history, symptoms can monitor real time data and after analysis of this data artificial intelligence can recommend personalised treatments, drugs and effective regimen for that particular patient based on his medical history or reports. This is beneficial as the right care and medicines can be given to the patient after using artificial intelligence system to study the patients’ records. Artificial intelligence usually analyse data from pathology, radiology and genomics to predict neoplasm or tumour growth, behaviour and treatment responses. It can help determine effective chemotherapy regimen for a patient by analysing their specific cancer profile and it can be done for diabetes and other diseases as well.
Drug discovery & development
Artificial intelligence can help predict the pharmacological properties, such as bioavailability, solubility and toxicity. This lowers the time and expense involved in drug discovery by enabling researchers to concentrate on the most promising candidates early in the development process. With help of vast datasets and algorithms targeting the potential drug is must faster and efficient than the traditional method.
Machine learning techniques help medical researchers to discover new biological pathways and molecular targets that may be involved in diseases, leading to novel therapeutic regimen. Artificial Intelligence not only helps in discovery of new drugs but also helps find best ways to induce pre-existing drugs to humans for effective results. It also helps in drug repurposing which basically means that the researcher finds new uses of the existing drugs.
In development and discovery when artificial intelligence system is used it helps significantly to shorten the development timeline and also help reduce the cost of manufacturing which makes it easier for the healthcare industries to avail such drugs to the public for cheaper.
Robotic surgery and assistance
Real-time data analysis can analyse vast quantities of data from multiple inputs including imaging studies (MRI, CT scans), and inoperative videos. This capability enhances the image visualization of the anatomical structures during surgery helping surgeons to make better decisions and perform intricate movements with skills and precision.
In robotic surgery, augmented reality (AR) is applied where a surgeon is provided with important information which is displayed over surgeons’ view. This comprises anatomical locations, tumour margins or the affected area as an important aspect to assist in decision making during complex surgeries.
Artificial intelligence can help robotic system to perform tasks like suture the wound or closing the incisions independently.
Due to technical advancements, robots are capable of performing such tasks without much inference from human-being particularly in surgeries this reduces the chances of making errors. In surgery, artificial intelligence can control movements of robots at subconscious level with an accuracy of up to sub millimetre. This real time navigation reduces on the chances of the occurrence of complications since the surgical instruments have to move in marked path only which reduces exposure of radiation and risk of infection.
Modern implications of such AI technology
“Learning from demonstration” where the AI driven robotic system determine strategies independently imitating intricate operations carried out by the highly skilled surgeons. Machine Learning technologies have been applied in computational models that will mimic the operational theatre where surgeon and robotic can learn from. Surgeons are able to show the steps and the robots then mimic the steps in a way which make it easier for both to learn. AI technology currently implicated in health care is machine learning that analyse large datasets from electronic health records (EHRs), Natural Language Processing it helps interpret and analyse unstructured data from clinical notes and research articles or communication records with the patient this technology helps to extract relevant data or information which improves documentation and enables better patient engagement through such automated tools.
AI-driven computer vision helps in medical imaging to assist radiologists in diagnosing conditions from CT scans, X-rays and MRIs. Robotics system powered by AI is increasingly used in surgeries. Virtual health assistants in phones can help provide health tips, medication reminders, track menstrual cycles and help schedule appointments with a healthcare provider. Over all the modern implications of Such AI Systems and technologies have proven to be efficient in total well-being of a person with ease.
The increase of telemedicine where health related services and information are distributed via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It allows patient and healthcare provider communicate no matter the distance. Telemedicine allows patients to receive treatment remotely and with help of a wearable device it is easy to monitor the patient and changes which is little difficult to be identified by the humans. For example, a pulse oximeter is use to measure blood oxygen levels.
Administrative tasks
The management tools with help of AI system can help keep a systematic record or data of a patients, diseases, drugs and treatments. These tools can help track the inventory and keep accounts. AI system helps in a smooth functioning of the healthcare clinics by providing assistance in administrative work which reduces the operational costs.
Global impact and considerations for AI in healthcare
Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of demanding changes to healthcare industry across the world in some of the facets relating to treatments, system performance and health outcomes. AI technologies help to improve the diagnostic and treatment processes, the algorithms can help identify diseases such as cancer at early stages by studying imaging data of patients. It also optimizes administrative workloads in the healthcare including time-tables, financial transactions, and patient’s records. Automation of all these processes will result in deduction of operational costs and will enable the clinics to give more time to their patients. Through the use of AI, telemedicine activities a patient’s health can be monitored through wearable devices, and there can be consultations that can be taken virtually. This increases access to health facilities and other needed services.
Considerations for AI in healthcare
Ethical concerns, workforce implications and regulatory challenges are the main challenges of implementing AI in healthcare. what concerns may be associated with the use of AI include questions regarding where the data used in development of these algorithm was gathered from, whether the algorithms reflect a biased view towards certain sub-population in data used. One of the most important issues that need to be addressed is how AI systems can be fair for all patients. AI technologies are developing at a fast rate and it is been implemented without any regulations to regulate these technologies to ensure they have not just been developed, but are safe for clinical use.
On the positive side, AI helps to minimize the administrative tasks and on other hand there is a need to find how artificial intelligence can be used to improve the health system efficiency without overshadowing clinical expertise. Collaboration among stakeholders – including healthcare providers, experts, patients, technology developers and policy makers is essential for proper implication of AI in healthcare to enhance human care, rather than replacing it. As both the fields of healthcare and artificial intelligence is very dynamic and evolving there are ongoing research and innovations will be critical and in unlocking the full benefits of AI in healthcare globally.
Issues and Challenges
AI faces variety of issues and challenges globally, some major concerns are that the laws for data privacy are not standard worldwide which makes the application of artificial intelligence in different countries little challenging and supervision of such concerns are difficult. And to deploy AI in a sensitive industry like healthcare where human life is at stake recovers high level of accuracy and dependable output or else it will bring more harm than any good. Constant updating, validation is required to keep the AI systems up to date so that they are functionable in real world scenarios, it can be burdensome to follow the updates continuously in healthcare.
Such implication of AI systems can sometimes result in workflow disruption which can be chaotic if not introduced properly. Thus, reaching out for the proper ethical considerations and providing equal opportunities for these technologies to be implemented all over the world will be the greatest challenge in order to offer a successful working model of the healthcare industry around the globe.
Regulatory and legal barriers
Application of AI-based technologies and systems in different regions across the globe will be regulated by different rules and policies as a result approval of new technology is always time consuming. It is foreseeable that well-developed nations will have better and faster access to these technologies than the developing nations this will only widen the gaps of health inequalities. It is also necessary to explain how the data of patient will be used in such algorithms and their consent will be important for these specific policies and regulations should be enacted to regulate and supervise the advancements of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
By restricting access to advanced technologies in underdeveloped areas, the regulatory framework differences between developed and developing countries may make health disparities worse.
Misaligned incentives
Misaligned incentives can affect the quality of care and effectiveness of healthcare systems. If the administrative work is automated in the healthcare, then who will get the incentives will be the question and since the work is automated and done by the AI System then there is a cost reduction but to check this data there will a need of human interference. This can sometimes lead to lower quality of patient interactions or oversight ultimately leading to poor quality of advice.
Data ownership and use
Data collected by the patient will be on a large scale so that the AI systems can function effectively. If the automation in administration takes places there will be a push to collect patient data without fully obtaining consent, it will be well expected that the benefits of AI advancements will be prioritized over patient privacy. Some organization will be interested to buy this huge data from multiple healthcare organizations for purpose of research and new technology developments, here comes the issue of data ownership where the patient’s data which was taken by the healthcare through consent is now owned by them or not?
Clinical decision making
If healthcare providers are heavily relying on the AI systems and if there are issues caused due such AI given clinical decision, who will be held responsible? Critical Thinking Skills, creativity and decision-making power are those things that only a human can bring on the table, AI limitations include lack of understanding and complex emotions. There is a need to understand till what extend does clinical decisions by AI systems are reliable and when a human intervention is necessary.
Laws related to AI and healthcare
There are different laws and policies in different region when it comes to AI and Healthcare:
United States: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, 1996 (HIPAA) is responsible for security and privacy of patient’s data and it influences how health information of a patient is dealt.
21st Century Cures Act contains provisions are made to help advancement in the medical products and to bring new innovations such as AI systems for patients who need such products faster and more efficiently.
India: The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 was amended in 2008 which includes provision related to data protection and cybersecurity, transactions conducted through electronic data exchange and other electronic communications are now recognized legally thanks to this statute.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 this act provides for the processing of digital personal data in such a way that both the right of an individuals to protect their personal data and that their data can be processed for any lawful purpose or any other matter.
Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 governs and regulates the medical devices including AI operated devices to ensure safety and effectiveness. Other guidelines for healthcare are mentioned in Indian Council of Medical Research Guidelines that will govern and regulate the implementation and application of Artificial Intelligence technology or systems in healthcare industry of India.
European Union: General Data Protection Regulation enforces strict rules on data privacy and protection, including data collection, processing and sharing which are crucial during artificial intelligence system’s application in healthcare domain.
AI Act proposes regulations that specifically addresses AI that includes high-risk applications and it aims to set standards for artificial intelligence development, and use, focusing on safety, transparency and accountability.
What lies ahead?
The future of artificial intelligence in medical science holds immense potential for enhancing patient care. Artificial intelligence has the ability to hold prominent position in future medical science’s healthcare processes, diagnostics, personalized treatment plans and operations. Well evolved and proper application of artificial intelligence holds immense potential to transform or revolutionise medical science and it can even find cures to rare conditions and diseases.
Future research should focus on standard guidelines for AI deployment and in enhancing data protection measures. There should be a proper training session for healthcare providers to ensure they get familiar with the artificial intelligence systems and its newly developed tools.
Artificial intelligence is the most popular innovation that has revolutionized healthcare, changing the face of how medical services are provided, improving diagnosis and coherent and efficient administrative procedures. The incorporation of the AI solutions into healthcare perspectives has a significant potential and implies several advantages, such as enhancing patient’s results, creating individual treatment plans, optimizing drug development and streamlining administrative work.
Yet, the use of AI is opening new opportunities in this vital sector but at the same time AI has some threats and issues that need to be addressed. Development in medicinal science, artificial intelligence and policies should take place hand in hand to insure the smooth advancements of AI systems in the healthcare domain. That is why the cooperation between all the interested parties such as healthcare providers, technological developers, policy makers and patients will be crucial for AI advancements.
Artificial intelligence’s application in healthcare will drastically change and improve the global economy and improve patient outcomes globally.
—Prabhavati Goswami is a LLM student of Gujarat National Law University, Silvassa