101 Ophthalmologists can apply AI to routine retinal scans to detect conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration patient experience. When combined with other technologies, AI is already allowing us to address some of healthcare’s biggest challenges.” Today, AI powers virtual assistants that can answer basic questions for patients, aid medical professionals in analysing clinical data or writing reports, automate administrative tasks, and much more. It can also detect ‘hidden’ diseases. Microsoft, for instance, worked with healthcare organisations in the US to apply AI to retinal scans taken during routine eye examinations to identify chronic conditions. “We found that 20 per cent of the first 50 diabetes patients screened during a trial in Texas had moderate to severe diabetic retinopathy, which will cause blindness if left untreated,” says Rhew. “Meanwhile, during eye scans in California, we tested participants for five conditions – diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachments – and diagnosed them in 67 per cent of individuals. That’s a pretty dramatic finding.” In both cases, the affected individuals were referred for further treatment. “AI allowed us to intervene immediately to give these individuals the best chance of preventing the worst outcome,” says Rhew. “Similarly, we can apply AI to routine electrocardiograms to pick up issues beyond heart arrhythmias, such as heart failure and valvular disease, or even predict long-term cardiac mortality. Alternatively, we can use AI to analyse voice biometrics during medical consultations to determine if patients are depressed, stressed or anxious and prompt the clinician to investigate further. Proactively screening for illness and intervening early could reduce the total cost of healthcare in the long term.” While beneficial, using AI to proactively detect disease has exposed a major issue: there aren’t enough clinicians to handle the increased case load. “Sometimes when we use technology to address one pain point, it uncovers another problem downstream,” says Rhew. “However, PUBLIC SECTOR Phoho: iStock/Drazen Zigic
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=