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By: Ron DiGiamo, MBA, FACHE, and Bri Driggers
The Integration of AI in Healthcare: Expert Opinions on Current and Future ImpactWe can (and are) utilizing AI and analytics to determine who will and won’t benefit from a particular treatment, qualify for a clinical trial, or be at risk for early onset of a particular diagnosis. These advancements are both exciting and, in many ways, scary. Ron DiGiaimo, CEO of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, and Bri Driggers, Content Marketing Manager, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Laurence Court, professor in the Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Orest Boyko, Diagnostic Radiologist and Chief Scientific Officer for the American Board of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, both of whom stand at the forefront of integrating AI within their realms, speak on how AI if affecting their spheres of influence. Q: You both work in healthcare and represent Physics in Radiation Oncology as well as Radiology. How is AI currently being utilized in your respective fields, and what future advancements are you most excited or concerned about?Dr. Laurence Court: "In radiation therapy, AI is not just a tool; it's a game-changer. We're leveraging AI to tailor treatments to individual patients, optimizing doses while sparing healthy tissue. The future? I'm looking towards AI's potential to make these sophisticated treatments accessible worldwide, especially in low-resource settings." Dr. Orest Boyko: "Diagnostic radiology has been transformed by AI, particularly in how we interpret imaging studies. AI helps us detect patterns that would otherwise take more time for the human eye to pick up on, making our diagnoses more precise. My greatest anticipation is for AI to further personalize medicine, though it comes with a caveat—ensuring these technologies are robustly validated before widespread adoption." Q: There are many real and perceived concerns and maybe even fears of AI. What are the major challenges and ethical considerations facing the adoption of AI in healthcare?Dr. Court: "One of our biggest challenges is ensuring the safety and accuracy of AI applications. There's also the ethical dimension—maintaining patient privacy and avoiding biases in AI algorithms that could influence treatment outcomes." Dr. Boyko: "The ethical implications are profound, especially concerning data use and patient consent. Additionally, we must guard against creating a digital divide in healthcare, where only patients in high-income areas benefit from AI advancements." Q: There are material lack of access issues not only in the United States but also around the world. Lack of insurance affects low income and other disparities that are social determinants of health are major issues that affect most countries. How can AI improve healthcare accessibility in underserved or remote areas?Dr. Court: "AI has the potential to bridge the gap in global health disparities. By bringing expert-level diagnostics and treatment planning to remote areas, we can offer high-quality care where it's needed most." Dr. Boyko: "In diagnostic radiology, AI tools can support healthcare professionals in regions lacking specialists, ensuring patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses. This is a step towards democratizing healthcare access." Q: It has been said in various ways that AI will not replace Healthcare Workers but it will replace those that don’t adopt AI. We have discussed throughout our conversation that you agree with this position, as such; what steps should healthcare professionals take to adapt to AI-driven technologies in their practice?Dr. Court: "Healthcare professionals should embrace a mindset of continuous learning. It's crucial to understand not just how to use AI tools, but also the principles behind them. This knowledge empowers clinicians to make informed decisions about when and how to incorporate AI into patient care." Dr. Boyko: "Integration of AI into medical education and healthcare is essential. Future and current healthcare providers need to be proficient in AI technologies to ensure they can leverage these tools effectively. This includes understanding the limitations of AI and the ethical considerations in its application." Q: As two prominent experts in AI: What does the future hold for healthcare with the integration of AI, and how will it affect healthcare professionals and patients?Dr. Court: "The future is promising. AI will enable us to offer personalized, efficient, and accessible care to a wider population. It's not about replacing healthcare professionals but augmenting their capabilities to serve patients better. The key will be in finding the right balance between human touch and technological innovation." Dr. Boyko: "We're looking at a future where AI significantly enhances patient outcomes through precision medicine. Healthcare professionals will need to adapt to new roles where their expertise is used in tandem with AI, ensuring that patient care remains compassionate and individualized." ConclusionThe insights shared by Dr. Laurence Court and Dr. Orest Boyko highlight a pivotal moment in healthcare as we move toward more integration with AI in the industry. As we look towards a future where AI is seamlessly woven into the fabric of healthcare delivery, the potential for improved patient outcomes, efficiency, and global accessibility is immense. However, this future also demands a concerted effort from healthcare professionals to adapt and grow with these technologies, ensuring that the human element of healthcare remains at the forefront of this development. The journey of AI in healthcare is just beginning, and its trajectory promises to be as transformative as it is inclusive, heralding a new era of medicine that is more capable, personalized, and equitable.
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