The world’s evolution and experience of exponential growth in technological advancement cuts across all sectors, including the healthcare sector remains rapid and on an increased trend. The age of healthcare is today globally driven by the rapid adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI), as part of the approach to make healthcare delivery more perfect and accessible. From narrowing administrative tasks to enabling personalized medicine, these technologies are reshaping how healthcare providers and platforms deliver care, and also not leaving the stones unturned in how patients experience it. In this blog post, we will dig into how digital tools and AI can be used in healthcare practice and why embracing these cutting edge innovations is no longer a thing of preference but critical to the world's delivery of healthcare and health services.

1.What is AI ?

Artificial intelligence, is a rapidly evolving field of computer science that aims to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. It includes various techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL) and natural language processing (NLP). Understanding these techniques is simply put, AI as the main body that houses anything related to making machines smart.

The natural language processing (NLP) is the branch focused on teaching machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language, while machine learning (ML) on the other hand is a subset of the Ai that involves systems learning by themselves. Some studies however have posited that, the Deep learning (DL) is a subset of the machine learning, and it uses model built on deep neural networks to detect patterns with minimal human involvement [2].

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2. The importance of AI in diagnostics

One of the promising applications of digital tools and AI in healthcare is its ability to improve diagnostics accuracy. AI algorithms, particularly those dependent on machine learning, can analyze a large amounts of medical data, such as imaging scans, lab results, and patient histories to identify patterns that might be missed by the human eye, hence improving the chances of zero error in diagnostics[1].

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AI tools also play critical role in the  analysis of X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These systems can detect abnormalities such as tumors, fractures, or early signs of diseases like cancer, often with greater precision and speed than traditional methods. These digital tools can as well predict the likelihood of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s by analyzing patient data over time, which allows for early intervention, potentially saving lives, increasing quality of life and reducing costs.

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It is not over reaching to say that, in today's world faced with multiple known and developing medical issues, the integration of AI and digital tools into diagnostics helps healthcare providers to make faster and more accurate decisions, which influence patient-outcomes[4].

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3. Digital tools and AI in healthcare administration

‍Often times, healthcare professionals spend a significant amount of time dealing with administrative tasks, that includes scheduling appointments to managing patient records, to importing consult data amongst others. However, digital tools and AI can automate these processes, allowing more time for providers to focus on care.
Modern electronic health record systems, powered by AI, can automatically update patient records after consults, flag potential drug interactions, and even suggest treatment plans based on historical data. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine tasks like appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and answering patient queries. Reduction in administrative burden of healthcare providers can improve efficiency and reduce burnout, ultimately leading to better patient care.

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4. The importance of digital tools and AI in the delivery of treatment plan and access to medications.

We all agree that no two patients are the same, and AI has shown undisputed potential in helping healthcare providers tailor treatments to individual needs. Through analysis of genetic information, lifestyle factors, and treatment responses, AI is able to recommend personalized therapies that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

Tools like Deep Genomics have been efficient, in analyzing genetic data that accurately predicts how patients will respond to specific treatments, hence enabling precision medicine for health care delivery [3]. Some AI wearable also have not been left behind in the delivery of treatment plan.

These wearable collect real-time health data, which AI can analyze to provide personalized health recommendations and monitor chronic conditions, hence allowing for quick response time to life threatening episodes. The opportunity AI provides as it concerns precision has done a lot for the healthcare sector through direct mitigation of the trial and error approach that is often associated with traditional treatment methods.

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5. The role of digital tools and AI in virtual healthcare delivery and remote health monitoring.

‍The COVID-19 pandemic became an accelerator for the adoption of telemedicine and digital tools which are primarily making remote care effective and accessible. Another noteworthy contribution of AI in virtual healthcare delivery is that, it can triage patients, ensuring those with urgent medical needs are prioritized.

Remote monitoring through AI-powered devices can also monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension in real time, alerting healthcare providers to any concerning changes[5]. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits and allows for timely interventions. Through AI’s intervention, the gap of healthcare delivery to rural and undeserved areas is easily bridged which in turn contributes to the number of those who can now access health care amongst the populace.

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‍6. The role of digital tools and AI in proactive care

‍AI’s unique ability to analyze large datasets makes it a powerful tool for predictive analytics which further positions it as a game changer for the much necessary evolution needed for the delivery of healthcare. The distinctive ability to identify trends and predict potential health issues, has made it an important tool in healthcare sector which can be essential in helping providers shift from reactive to proactive healthcare [3].

This powerful ability also reinforces it as a capable took that can analyze data from entire populations to identify at-risk groups and implement preventive measures when needed. It can also help clinics and hospitals through its predictive analytics, forecast patient admissions, help hospitals allocate resources more efficiently and reduce waiting times, a contribution effect to the decongesting of these health facilities .

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This outcome spells a new narrative that creates comfort for patients visiting hospitals while also reducing healthcare costs that results from complications and hospital re-admissions

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7. Mitigating and managing the challenges and regulations of utilizing digital tools and AI

‍While the benefits of digital tools and AI in healthcare are undeniable, it’s important to address the challenges and ethical considerations. Protecting patient data is paramount, hence, healthcare providers have to ensure utmost compliance with appropriate regulations [6].

Furthermore, AI algorithms are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Ensuring diverse and representative datasets is crucial to avoid biased outcomes. Moreso, it should only argument and not replace human judgment. It is therefore necessary that healthcare providers remain actively involved in decision making processes [7].

Adhering to the above basic necessities can ensure that digital tools and AI are used responsibly and ethically in healthcare. The integration of digital tools and AI into healthcare practice is no longer a futuristic concept because it is our present.

These technologies have and are showing strong potential to help healthcare providers to deliver faster, more accurate, and more personalized care than ever before. As we continue to innovate, the possibilities are innumerable. For healthcare professionals, embracing these tools is not just about staying competitive; it’s about prioritizing patient outcomes and transforming the way we think about healthcare.

The future of medicine is digital, and the time to embrace it is now. What are your thoughts on the role of AI and digital tools in healthcare? Have you experienced their impact firsthand? Would you like to gain skill set and literacy experience in these digital tools as an healthcare professional? If yes, then you need not worry, we've got you covered at Momentum healthcare academy.

We will not only train and prepare you but we also ensure you develop an all-round technological skill set that position you for the world of digital medicine. To get started, email us at info@momentumhealthcare.org or you can engage our contact form by visiting www.momentumhealthcare.org

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References

 1.Baxi V, Edwards R, Montalto M, Saha S. Digital pathology and artificial intelligence in translational medicine and clinical practice. Mod Pathol. 2022 Jan;35(1):23-32. doi: 10.1038/s41379-021-00919-2. Epub 2021 Oct 5. PMID: 34611303; PMCID: PMC8491759.

 2. Brereton TA, Malik MM, Lifson M, Greenwood JD, Peterson KJ, Overgaard SM. The Role of Artificial Intelligence Model Documentation in Translational Science: Scoping Review. Interact J Med Res. 2023 Jul 14;12:e45903. doi: 10.2196/45903. PMID: 37450330; PMCID: PMC10382950.

 3.Clark CR, Wilkins CH, Rodriguez JA, Preininger AM, Harris J, DesAutels S, Karunakaram H, Rhee K, Bates DW, Dankwa-Mullan I. Health Care Equity in the Use of Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med. 2021 Oct;36(10):3188-3193. doi: 10.1007/s11606-021-06846-x. Epub 2021 May 23. PMID: 34027610; PMCID: PMC8481410.

 4. Dave M, Patel N. Artificial intelligence in healthcare and education. Br Dent J. 2023 May;234(10):761-764. doi: 10.1038/s41415-023-5845-2. Epub 2023 May 26. PMID: 37237212; PMCID: PMC10219811.

 5. Ellahham S. Artificial Intelligence: The Future for Diabetes Care. Am J Med. 2020 Aug;133(8):895-900. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.033. Epub 2020 Apr 20. PMID: 32325045.

 6. Elendu C, Amaechi DC, Elendu TC, Jingwa KA, Okoye OK, John Okah M, Ladele JA, Farah AH, Alimi HA. Ethical implications of AI and robotics in healthcare: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 15;102(50):e36671. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036671. PMID: 38115340; PMCID: PMC10727550

 7.Wang F, Preininger A. AI in Health: State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Directions. Yearb Med Inform. 2019 Aug;28(1):16-26. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1677908. Epub 2019 Aug 16. PMID: 31419814; PMCID: PMC6697503.

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