AI for Health: Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Innovation

AI for Health: Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Innovation

01

Nov 23

In the modern world, the transformation brought about by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nothing short of remarkable. As this technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, it is reshaping various sectors, including the crucial realm of healthcare. The potential benefits are vast, offering efficiency, speed, and cost savings, all while enhancing patient care and well-being. The science and engineering of developing intelligent machines using algorithms or a set of rules that a system follows in order to imitate human cognitive processes, such as learning and problem-solving, is known as artificial intelligence (AI).1 Over the next decade, a significant surge in the adoption of AI in the healthcare sector is expected. According to projections from Grand View Research, AI in the healthcare market is forecasted to reach a substantial value of $208.2 billion by 2030, marking a remarkable growth compared to its 2022 market size of $15.4 billion.2 AI in healthcare encompasses machine learning (ML), deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and robotic process automation (RPA). Common applications include health analytics for insights, personalized precision medicine, disease prediction, and AI-assisted disease diagnosis through medical scans.3 Integrating AI and robotics into healthcare ecosystems is well underway, with many applications that showcase this transformative journey.4

AI in healthcare holds great promise in empowering individuals to proactively maintain their well-being, thereby diminishing the necessity for frequent doctor appointments. The convergence of AI and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is already making notable advancements in consumer health applications, encouraging healthier habits and proactive health self-management.4 This empowerment places individuals in control of their own well-being, with technology serving as a supportive guide.

Furthermore, AI aids healthcare professionals in understanding their patients’ daily patterns and needs, allowing them to offer more precise feedback, guidance, and support for maintaining good health. AI’s prowess shines particularly in the early detection of diseases such as cancer. Researchers have successfully developed AI software capable of accurately predicting the risk of breast cancer. This advancement empowers medical professionals to closely monitor individuals who are at the highest risk of developing this potentially life-threatening disease.5 By rapidly and accurately reviewing medical images, AI improves the accuracy of diagnoses and minimizes unnecessary biopsies. Utilizing AI, the evaluation and interpretation of mammograms have become 30 times faster, with an outstanding accuracy rate of 99%, effectively decreasing the demand for unnecessary biopsies.4 Similarly, AI-powered wearables are assisting in the early detection of heart disease, enhancing monitoring capabilities for potential life-threatening events.4 Wearable software harnessing the power of AI, such as FitBits and smartwatches, can analyze data and provide alerts to users and their healthcare providers regarding potential health issues and risks.6

The contributions of tech giants like IBM’s Watson for Health and Google’s DeepMind Health cannot be overlooked. These platforms leverage AI and machine learning to unlock vast amounts of medical data, accelerating diagnosis and treatment planning. By using neural networks that mimic the human brain, these systems contribute to solving real-world healthcare problems and enhancing decision-making processes.4

The application of AI doesn’t stop at diagnostics. It plays a crucial role in predictive analytics, identifying patients at risk of developing conditions due to various factors. AI-driven pattern recognition aids clinicians in providing comprehensive disease management, coordinating care plans, and helping patients adhere to treatment programs.

Meanwhile, robots have been integral to medicine for over three decades, ranging from simple laboratory assistants to complex surgical robots capable of autonomous operations. They streamline repetitive tasks, aid in rehabilitation, and support long-term condition management. This collaboration between human healthcare providers and robotic assistants is a powerful combination that increases efficiency and improves patient outcomes.

The journey from research to patient care is undoubtedly challenging and costly. However, AI is expediting the drug discovery and development process. By utilizing AI to streamline drug discovery, the time to market for new medications can be significantly reduced, bringing potentially life-saving treatments to patients sooner.

Education in healthcare is also undergoing a transformation, as AI-powered simulations offer trainees valuable practice opportunities that traditional methods can’t replicate. Natural speech interactions and adaptive learning enhance the educational experience, allowing trainees to practice and learn anytime, anywhere.

Imperial College London’s UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Healthcare exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach required for successful AI integration into healthcare. By focusing on perceptual AI and intervention AI, Imperial College is at the forefront of leveraging AI to improve patient outcomes and treatment decisions.7

As the world faces the challenges posed by aging populations, public health issues, and escalating costs, AI’s integration into healthcare is not just beneficial, but imperative.1 The correlation of AI and healthcare holds immense potential to enhance patient safety, experiences, and overall care quality while reducing costs. The health technology sector is on a growth trajectory, with data emerging as the new currency in healthcare.

Figure 1: Treating multi-morbid conditions: traditional approach (left) versus AI-enable integrated approach (right).

The modernization of healthcare is a data-driven endeavor, where AI and machine learning extract actionable insights from vast datasets. This enables risk assessment, predictive analytics, and enhanced clinical pathways, promising a future where surgical robots, AI-guided treatment, and even mindfulness health tracking become the norm. AI in healthcare offers numerous advantages, such as automating tasks and analyzing extensive patient data sets, resulting in the provision of superior healthcare services that are both faster and more cost-effective. Insider Intelligence reports that approximately 30% of healthcare expenditures are linked to administrative tasks. As we explore more efficient approaches to modernize healthcare systems, AI is poised to make a profound impact by fostering unprecedented efficiencies and breakthroughs that may exceed our current expectations.8

While concerns about job displacement due to AI exist, the consensus leans towards AI enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals rather than replacing them (figure 1). According to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Market Size Report, 2030, actual job loss is likely to be just five percent or less over the next ten to twenty years, indicating that with upskilling and adaptation of AI most job seekers have little to worry about for the foreseeable future.2 The collaboration between human intelligence and AI technologies creates a synergy that holds the potential to transform healthcare delivery.

Bangladesh stands at the threshold of an AI-driven healthcare revolution, poised to elevate its medical sector to unprecedented heights. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence has set out a comprehensive roadmap encompassing research, workforce development, industrialization, infrastructure, startup funding, and data privacy. This strategic framework, slated for systematic implementation from 2020 to 2025, paves the way for an AI transformation in the healthcare domain.9 According to National Digital Health Strategy 2021-2025, AI, as part of an ever-evolving range of technologies, plays a pivotal role in transforming all aspects of the healthcare field.10,11

The potential of AI in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector is immense. It holds the key to addressing the persistent shortage of healthcare professionals and enhancing operational efficiency. Through innovative approaches such as the integration of telemedicine, patient waiting times can be reduced, and administrative tasks streamlined especially for primary care.

Figure 2: Susastho.ai, A Bangla Medical AI Engine for addressing sexual, reproductive, and mental health education, risk assessment and referrals for intervention.

Advanced Intelligent Multidisciplinary Systems Lab (AIMS Lab) at the Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization (IRIIC), United International University (UIU) is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence research and its applications in the healthcare landscape of Bangladesh. Significantly, one of its research initiatives reached a remarkable milestone by achieving international recognition and securing both a patent and publication in a prestigious Elsevier Journal.12 Building upon this formidable foundation, the AIMS Lab played a pivotal role in the research to commercialization of CMED Health, a pioneering health-tech startup that emerged as an impactful initiative in 2016. With an emphasis range from NCD, sexual, maternal, to mental health, strives to maximize the potential of AI. AIMS Lab has been instrumental in pioneering innovative health service models and screening protocols empowered by AI. Notable advancements include Smart Autism Barta: An interactive and automated mobile-based tool for autism screening 13; VirtualEyeDoc: A smart mobile application for screening and eye care in Bangladesh; ADCare: A smart tools focus on Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease screening, resource mapping, and raising awareness among Bangladeshi population; PVDoctor: A cloud-based virtual doctor specializes in screening and monitoring Parkinson’s Disease; These initiatives protocols demonstrate AIMS Lab’s commitment to harnessing AI in healthcare, particularly in the context of screening and early detection for early intervention. In the realm of AI innovation, AIMS Lab is developing AIMScribe, an Automated and Intelligent Medical Scribe crafted to assist in doctor-patient conversations and prescription generation. The development also includes an AI-based prescription audit system to assist physicians in advancing healthcare practices. AIMS Lab is leading the charge in AI-driven research, with a focus on risk assessment for heart failure, kidney disease, and stroke prediction. The Lab is also deeply engaged in the development of a cutting-edge project known as the “Virtual Hospital.” This initiative encompasses an IoT-based Intelligent Home Health Monitoring and Referral System, further demonstrating AIMS Lab’s commitment to leveraging AI for the enhancement of healthcare in Bangladesh.

Implementation of AI in Healthcare, a pioneering health-tech startup, CMED Health, is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape in Bangladesh through its comprehensive, multi-layered, and scalable digital healthcare platform. By connecting with over 2.5 million individuals, CMED Health provides access to health services, early diagnosis, health education, and referrals for timely interventions, all in pursuit of achieving Health Inclusion as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) utilizing AI. CMED Health’s objective is to reduce health risks, healthcare costs, and the time required for medical care by harnessing AI. In alignment with the vision of Digital Bangladesh and with support from the ICT Ministry of Bangladesh, CMED Health has developed a range of technologically integrated devices that measure crucial health vitals and provide feedback through Android and iOS-based mobile apps. Using these devices and the mobile application, they extend monthly doorstep digital health services. These services encompass digital health education, awareness, checkups, and referrals, all delivered by trained Health Visitors (known as Smart Sastho Kormi or SSK in Bangla). When necessary, individuals are seamlessly connected to healthcare professionals through telemedicine.

CMED Health is playing an active role in bolstering healthcare infrastructure in both rural and urban areas through its innovative digital General Practitioner (GP) model .14 In collaboration with PKSF, UNICEF, and United Trust, CMED Health has successfully introduced this model in both urban and rural settings, incorporating a seamless referral system. The GP model has been warmly embraced by rural communities, and to further enhance its effectiveness.15 It has integrated AI-powered Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) within the Rural and Urban GP Model. This integration enables data-driven insights to inform and facilitate appropriate referrals, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes. The organization also extends digital healthcare services to professionals and workers in corporate offices and factories through its Digital Health Corner (DHC) Model. In partnering with ILO and other stakeholders they developed an Enterprise Clinic Model for garment factories.16 Another noteworthy initiative is BScan – a clinically validated Breast Cancer screening protocol integrated into smartphone app for screening and referral of high-risk individuals and it also provides preventive guidelines that help to improve overall awareness. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMED Health has taken proactive measures by developing the National Digital Surveillance System and Test Sample Management System in partnership with the government. This initiative aims to reduce community transmission and streamline the testing services for COVID-19. Recently, with support from the Gates Foundation, CMED Health is developing AI-driven solutions named Susastho.ai, addressing sexual, reproductive, and mental health education and risk assessment for adolescents using advanced AI technology like ChatGPT (figure 2).

However, successful AI integration in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector necessitates more than technological solutions; it demands a robust infrastructure, implementation, and well-thought-out policies. By making the right investments, formulating comprehensive policies, and fostering continuous research, Bangladesh can realize the promise of AI-powered medical advancements. This commitment reaffirms the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, a future where technology-driven innovations lead to equitable healthcare access for all.

The integration of AI into healthcare is an ongoing revolution with far-reaching implications. From diagnosis and treatment to drug discovery and patient education, AI’s role is both pivotal and promising. A study encompassing 1,341,589 individuals averaging 29.23 years of age, revealed an overall stroke prevalence of 1.07 per 1,000 people in Bangladesh, demonstrating higher rates in males and an increasing trend with age, with the Khulna division exhibiting the highest prevalence and the Rangpur division the lowest. 17 In rural areas of Bangladesh, where data on stroke prevalence and risk factors are limited, this study underscores the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare for early prevention and intervention programs. By addressing challenges such as ethical considerations, data quality, and regulatory compliance, healthcare is poised to usher in a new era of precision medicine, improved patient outcomes, and transformative advancements. As AI continues to reshape healthcare, it’s not just about technology; it’s about improving lives and well-being on a global scale.

Author of this article:
  1. Professor Khondaker Abdullah Al Mamun, PhD is the Director, Advanced Intelligent Multidisciplinary Systems Lab (AIMS Lab); Director, Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization (IRIIC); and Professor of Digital Health and Data Science, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, United International University (UIU), Dhaka
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