THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE HEALTH INDUSTRY

In a series of articles, we will present from our perspective and that of experts on the subject, the impact of artificial intelligence in the health industry.

Starting with the impact in general terms, we face that artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and the healthcare industry is no exception. The ability of AI technologies to learn, analyze, and perform complex tasks has led to a series of technological advances that are transforming how medical services are offered or provided, how patient data is measured, and how patients coordinate their medical appointments.

AI refers to the ability of technology to imitate and simulate human intelligence. It focuses on developing computer systems and programs capable of making decisions, solving problems, and performing tasks that typically require human intervention.

In the healthcare industry, one of the areas where AI has proven to be especially valuable is medical diagnosis. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of medical data, such as MRI images, X-rays, or CT scans, and detect patterns or anomalies that doctors might ignore. Allowing for a faster diagnosis and is presumed to be more precise, which in turn can improve the results of patients’ treatments by being more accurate and appropriate.

In addition to diagnosis, AI has improved the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures. AI-controlled surgical robots, for example, can perform surgeries more precisely and less invasively than traditional techniques. It not only reduces the risk of complications but also shortens recovery times for patients as long as the doctor and staff are appropriately trained and certified to handle this type of technology.

Another area where AI has significantly impacted is patient data management. Artificial intelligence systems can analyze large amounts of clinical and genomic information to identify patterns and trends that help predict diseases or personalize treatments. It allows physicians to provide more individualized, evidence-based care, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

However, for all the benefits of AI in the healthcare industry, it poses ethical and privacy challenges. The collection and analysis of patient data for medical purposes may raise concerns about privacy and information security. Additionally, there are concerns that AI could replace some of the healthcare professionals, which could have a negative impact on employment and reduce human interaction in healthcare.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence has greatly impacted the healthcare industry by improving diagnosis, surgical procedures, and patient data management. These technological advances promise to improve healthcare by enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses and more precise treatments. However, to fully realize the benefits of AI, it is essential to address the ethical and privacy challenges it poses and ensure that the technology is used responsibly and ethically for the benefit of patients.

In the second article, we will present the challenges and risks that the health industry faces in the face of the boom that AI is having. Taking into consideration that, depending on their development, they could make decisions that today are made by professionals duly trained and certified for this purpose.

Author: Salvador F. Rovíra Rodríguez