Artificial Intelligence
79 AI in Healthcare
Taylor Adams
BACKGROUND
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of technological intelligence exhibited primarily by computer systems and machines. It is a field of computer science in which there is a complex software system that can perceive the environment and learning environment to achieve requested actions. In recent years, AI has been utilized in various fields, including industry, government, manufacturing, transportation, and perhaps most notably, healthcare. Over the last decade, AI has begun to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Healthcare AI systems can analyze patterns in a patient’s medical history and current health data to predict potential health risks. The capability of AI to predict medical-related outcomes allows healthcare providers to supply high-quality and preventative care to patients. This ultimately leads to the best possible patient outcomes while also mitigating healthcare costs.
CONNECTION TO STS
Artificial intelligence seamlessly connects science, technology, and society. As a technological innovation, AI plays a significant role in scientific advancements, including those in healthcare. AI is transforming science in many ways, as it identifies meaningful trends in large datasets, predicts outcomes based on data, and stimulates complex scenarios, according to the National Academy of Medicine President, Victor Dzau.
ACCESS TO CARE
A significant effect of AI in healthcare is its ability to improve patients’ access to care. For example, AI-driven solutions such as chatbots are acting as virtual assistants to assist patients in scheduling appointments, providing guidance, and offering healthcare information. The replacement of certain administrative positions by AI has freed up more medical staff and allowed them more time to focus on providing high-quality care for more patients faster.
AI has also improved access to care for those who live in rural and low socioeconomic areas and often lack access to medical facilities, medical professionals, and specialists nearby. Further, AI’s advancement of virtual healthcare options has made quality healthcare and medical professionals available to more people who cannot physically attend medical appointments. Similarly, AI has played a significant role in the advancement and research of many different diseases. Thus, AI has accelerated patients’ access to care research on many diseases, including complex neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
MISSING VOICES
A missing voice in the study and development of artificial intelligence technology is a lot of people from the lower socioeconomic class. Since artificial intelligence is funded by big corporations, technology companies, and the elite, oftentimes, the people a part of the lower socioeconomic classes do not get a say in how the technology is used or developed. For example, many people are concerned about AI replacing unskilled labor jobs such as ta