1 Module Five Assignment SNHU Larissa Vordick DAT 260 Professor Watts November 21, 2023 Module Five Assignment
2 Impact of Machine Learning and AI in Healthcare One continually growing industry that advances with technology as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools is the healthcare industry. Machine learning and AI continues to transform day by day with the new advances in ground-breaking technology that learns and adapts to the constantly changing industry. The automation of EHRs (electronic health records) is a prime example of an important part of healthcare facilities around the world. EHRs are used to help identify patterns of infectious disease and resistance to antibiotics. These records also help to create pathology images and uses AI to change clinical decision making (Bresnick 2018). In the past, there were only a handful of options in receiving a diagnosis, which included bloodwork, ultrasounds, or other tests to help your doctor determine an accurate diagnosis, which could take weeks depending on the specific tests taken. However, with the introduction of machine learning and AI, smartphones (with the aid of their cameras) are an added benefit of being utilized as a portable machine. Utilizing the camera gives patients the option to capture pictures with an added description of symptoms which will then be reviewed by a doctor and given a diagnosis, all being done without leaving the comfort of home. There have been many studies of these portable machines being able to detect heart disease. Technology would be used as a screening tool for referrals (HIE 2020). This would help users to send their medical information to medical professionals, reducing diagnosis time. These tools eliminate the necessity for every patient to travel to the doctor's office for diagnosis and care. At the very least, an initial assessment can be made by the ML algorithm which would make the physician free to see the most severe cases. This would challenge the status quo in that an initial diagnosis can be made without seeing the physician. There will be some adversity to this
3 change, and it would provide some discomfort for both the physicians and the patients. Medical staff may also deem this as a threat to their job which could cause further issues down the road. Benefits of AI and Machine Learning in Healthcare Many advantages have come with the continuously growing technology of AI and Machine Learning, below are some prime examples followed with a short description that further explains the reasoning. - Improved Accessibility > Disadvantaged areas of the world have better access to healthcare (can facilitate patient diagnosis and treatment). - Simplicity of Sharing Information > Can locate patient data more effectively than conventional care, giving doctors more time to concentrate on medications and treatments. - Earlier Diagnosis AI-driven tools now rely on people's data to assess the previous and present health issues of patients. By comparing the disease details, healthcare professionals are able to diagnose more accurately. - Increased Speed and Reduced Cost > Healthcare