Integrating AI into healthcare: A transformative leap for patient care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into various sectors, notably healthcare, where it is poised to bring about significant changes. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi is leading this initiative, investing over Rs 300 crore in digital infrastructure to enhance the role of AI in patient care and health communication. This investment aims to benefit all stakeholders involved in healthcare, including patients, doctors, and researchers.

At a recent event, Dr M Srinivas, the Director of AIIMS, articulated the institution’s commitment to incorporating AI into its operational framework. “By integrating AI, we can improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enable world class research,” he stated. Dr Srinivas highlighted that AI can simplify the dissemination of health information, empowering patients and enhancing their engagement with healthcare systems, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

Various leaders from the healthcare, technology, and policy sectors spoke at the event, sharing their perspectives on AI’s potential to revolutionise health communication. Dr Kavita Narayan, Senior Technical Advisor, HRH for Health Systems at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, noted that a robust health system should not depend solely on individuals. “AI can play a vital role in making healthcare more accurate, compassionate, and equitable,” she remarked. Dr Narayan emphasised the importance of thoughtfully integrating technology and fostering collaboration among policymakers, technologists, and healthcare providers.

A notable illustration of AI’s application in enhancing healthcare communication is Humeta, a custom-trained AI model created by Mr Daleep Singh Manhas, co-founder and CEO of Healthpresso. Mr Manhas elaborated on Humeta’s capabilities, particularly its credibility. “Healthcare is a sensitive field where credibility is paramount. Humeta is trained on over a million data points from trusted medical sources like The Lancet and PubMed, ensuring that the information it generates is both accurate and up-to-date.”

Mr Manhas also pointed out a common challenge in healthcare communication: understanding complex medical content. He stated that 63 per cent of people struggle to grasp medical information. Humeta addresses this issue by simplifying complex medical concepts into more digestible formats, including text, visuals, and interactive tools. “With Humeta, we ensure that patients are empowered with reliable information they can trust,” he added.

While the advantages of AI are substantial, experts underline the need to avoid a disproportionate reliance on technology that may undermine human connection in healthcare. Dr KP Kochhar, Head of the Physiology Department at AIIMS, highlighted the importance of merging innovation with empathy. “While AI can enhance precision and efficiency, we must preserve the human touch in healthcare. Compassion and technology must work together to create systems that prioritise the well-being of patients,” she noted.

The insights shared at AIIMS reflect a broader conversation concerning the role of AI in transforming health communication. By addressing longstanding challenges relating to accessibility and trust, AI has the potential to equip patients with essential knowledge, guiding them in making informed health decisions.

The discussions at the event culminated in a collective appeal for the ethical integration of AI in healthcare systems. Experts urged for collaboration among policymakers, technologists, and healthcare providers, advocating a responsible approach to harnessing AI for the greater good.

As the technology progresses, there is a consensus among experts that its thoughtful implementation can lead to a future where healthcare communication is not only more inclusive and reliable but also centres around patients’ needs. This initiative aims to bridge gaps in health awareness and education, contributing to a more informed and healthier society.

Source: Noah Wire Services