Today, the global yet complex healthcare sector is actively shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) across processes, data handling, diagnosis, treatments, surgeries, and research.
In the context of healthcare, artificial intelligence refers to a collection of several technologies, including robots, that sense, interpret, act, and learn to perform clinical and administrative duties. Unlike legacy technologies that are just tools or algorithms to help humans, health AI can truly improve human conditions.
According to a study by Accenture, streamlined processes and increased efficiencies due to AI applications and other technologies are anticipated to save $150 billion annually for the US healthcare industry by 2026. It only remains to see its global implications.
The great promise that AI holds for improving accessibility, quality, and cost has made it very popular. Processing vast volumes of data and turning it into insightful knowledge that is beyond human comprehension is one area where AI excels at solving business problems unique to the healthcare industry.
However, AI is used for purposes beyond data science and process automation in the health industry. Giving you deeper insight, this article will talk about the prominent AI trends of 2024 in the healthcare industry.
Top 5 AI Trends in Healthcare to Follow in 2024
Here’s an overview of the most prominent AI trends in 2024:
- Generative AI in healthcare
Healthcare has entered a new era of possibilities with the advent of generative AI. There are some popular AI programming languages that are booming in the industry. Treatments were previously implemented with little regard to individual differences, instead relying on statistics from a large population. However, deep diving into individuals’ genetic profiles, medical histories, and real-time health data has now become feasible. This implies that medical care can now be customized to meet each patient’s specific needs and genetic composition.
Additionally, by improving the effectiveness of genetic testing procedures, automating repetitive jobs, and streamlining workflows, Gen AI also aids in resource optimization. This is quite crucial since it helps overcome resource constraints and provides access to personalized medication.
- Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine is the application of technology to medicines at the nanoscale in the health sector. Biocompatible nanoparticles, nanoelectronic devices, and even nanorobots have emerged for certain medical tasks for the diagnosis or treatment of living organisms.
Traditional drug delivery techniques frequently have low bioavailability and off-target effects, which lead to unsatisfactory efficacy. However, scientists can now circumvent these obstacles by using electronics and materials at the nanoscale. Therapeutic nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, can be delivered to target cells and kept safe using nanoscale carriers. This method may be used to inhibit genes that cause disease, modify the expression of genes, and fix genetic flaws.
For example, nanomedicines may be used to inject nanorobots into a person’s blood vessels to potentially hunt down viruses or cancer cells. This technology is anticipated to effectively treat a wide range of auto-immune, cancerous, and hereditary disorders at the cellular level, including tumors and arthritis.
- Virtual healthcare assistants
The 24/7 accessibility of chatbots and virtual assistants is one of their biggest benefits. AI-enabled healthcare virtual assistants can expertly manage basic activities, freeing up competent medical professionals to successfully manage more complex medical processes.
Virtual assistants and chatbots can guide clinicians on diagnosis, treatments, and prescriptions. In addition, they can offer AI-based responses to the inquiries of the patients and provide information about their treatment for better care and decision-making.
Patients can reduce the burden on healthcare providers and hospital resources by seeking medical advice, making appointments, and receiving preliminary assessments at any time. For patients who live alone or in remote locations, they can even offer company to enhance their mental well-being!
- Internet of Medical Things (IOMT)
Wearable technologies and trackers are becoming more common in the field of healthcare information technology as part of the Internet of Medical Things. Their primary advantage is that they give physicians real-time, comprehensive information about the medical status of their patients. Patients are becoming more aware of their health thanks to the IoMT.
Moreover, doctors can now actively participate in their patients’ care and receive updates about their therapies. These creative medical devices create a rich data set that includes activity levels, sleep patterns, and food habits. Healthcare practitioners can utilize this data not only to develop realistic training programs but also to evaluate treatment outcomes.
- Blockchain
Blockchain technology has the potential to completely transform healthcare data administration. Blockchain’s anonymity and accountability make it appropriate for a variety of therapeutic applications. Among them are health insurance claims, pharmaceutical supply networks, distant patients, and digital medical records. The blockchain market in the healthcare sector is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 52.48%, from USD 3.61 billion in 2024 to USD 29.76 billion by 2029.
It facilitates a distinct data storage pattern at the highest level of security and can help allay concerns about data manipulation in the healthcare industry. Moreover, blockchain-enabled technologies can address clinical trial results and documentation for record-keeping. Health records must be kept private and secure, wherein blockchain can help prevent any dangers of cyber threats and aid in the decentralized safeguarding of data.
In addition to enhancing the security and dependability of patient records, blockchain technology can be utilized to prevent fraud. Through the management of the medicine supply chain, the safe transfer of patient medical records, and other features, ledger technology aids in the discovery of genetic code for medical researchers.
Ending Note
The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid technological advancements with AI. As new technologies are developed, this trend will only become more fascinating. The technologies are leading in the healthcare industry. Other healthcare services that are anticipated to improve in coming times include robotic surgery, an emphasis on ethical AI, and new laws that encourage the appropriate application of AI technology.