It wouldn’t be a mere exaggeration to state that Covid-19 has brought the whole world to a screeching halt.
It is also no secret that the healthcare sector, in particular, has been at the forefront of the receiving end of all the challenges the pandemic has brought in.
As the whole world scrambles to find a solution to curb the spread of the virus, technology, in the interim, can offer some solace. The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare is a great starting point. It can help bring some order to the chaos caused by Covid-19.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to a computer-based technology that simulates human intelligence. Machines are programmed to think like humans and mimic their behavioral patterns. AI technology is so sophisticated that it can execute a range of tasks, from the simplest to the most complex. This is done by analyzing historical data, synthesizing information, and identifying the most suitable response based on that information.
AI algorithms are designed to adapt, learn, and evolve. They can emulate human traits such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
AI in healthcare is particularly useful to help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Artificial intelligence software can analyze large data sets about the patient’s health history, gather additional insights, and deliver predictive analysis. AI can do all of this in just a few minutes; thereby, massively cutting down the window of time between diagnosis and correct treatment.
Let’s take a look at different uses of artificial intelligence in the medical field.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence in medicine is one of the most revolutionary ways in which technology has impacted the healthcare industry. Here are a few ways in which AI health has helped during Covid.
1. Understanding and Tracking Spread of Covid
A Canadian AI company called BlueDot developed a program that helped understand how this particular virus functions and in what ways it can spread. This AI software was built by combining the knowledge of epidemiologists and big-data patterns. This program helped identify how and where to look for evidence of emerging diseases. The large sets of data that were analyzed could locate the source of the virus and also track how the virus spreads. The program could analyze over 100,000 reports in multiple languages and send frequent alters to healthcare workers, public health agencies, officials, and other government bodies. These alerts included a brief about new outbreak locations and possible hot spots for future outbreaks.
With this information, agencies responsible for resource allocation could plan ahead and ensure the availability of essential items such as PPE kits, masks, and medicines at the right locations.
2. Minimise Human Contact
Avoiding crowds and maintaining social distance is a must during the pandemic. One of the key uses of artificial intelligence is the robotic technology that helps minimize human contact and avoid cross-infection. A whole new breed of AI-based robots that can perform various activities has emerged to see the light of the day.
Drones, for example, have been used to spray disinfectants and sanitize hospital facilities, covid wards, and rooms in order to minimize contact with hospital staff.
3. Contact-tracing Apps
Contact tracing apps have played a crucial role in identifying individuals who have contacted Covid. AI algorithms can work in tandem with Bluetooth and alert individuals within close proximity to take the necessary precautions. These apps also provide other information such as testing centers nearby and self-quarantine protocols.
In some cases, if infected, apps can also help track recovery progress and send alerts to concerned physicians if any abnormalities such as breathing difficulty or high temperature are detected.
4. Reduce Hospital Staff Workload
Digital workers powered by AI are reducing the workload for hospital staff by taking over repetitive administrative tasks. They manage tasks such as maintaining patient’s digital records, scheduling appointments and managing follow-up communication.
5. AI-Powered Radiology
Testing in large volumes is one of the most essential ingredients to battle covid. One of the benefits of artificial intelligence is the speed at which the testing data can be collected, assessed, and organized. AI is also assisting in other forms of testing such as x-ray scanning. Chest screening that can highlight any lung abnormalities can provide Covid risk evaluation at a much faster pace than human radiologists.
6. Wearable Technology
Applications of artificial intelligence in wearable technology is another way to combat covid. Events such as breathing irregularities, abnormal heart rate, and a rise in temperature can be immediately detected and communicated promptly.
Conclusion
The importance of artificial intelligence, especially in the healthcare sector, has become all the more apparent in the past few months as covid spread across borders and reached all corners of the world.
AI will help take the administrative burden away from the frontline healthcare workers and give them the bandwidth to focus on things that actually matter, including providing better care for patients without any other distractions.
The positive impact of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector is all the more commendable. There is considerable evidence that AI has significantly helped reduce the stress of healthcare workers and allowed them to stay vigilant about their mental health.
