From using chatbots for answering quick questions to using Chatgpt to get detailed explanations on any topic, many of us are familiar with how useful AI can be. However, it isn’t only useful in simple day to day activities- AI is extremely beneficial in medicine and healthcare and has great potential for further progress. Healthcare providers make use of artificial intelligence in various ways. For instance, machine learning- which is done by training algorithms using data sets – is used to categorise large amounts of data and improve decision-making.

This can also be used to help personalise prescriptions for patients taking into account various factors like environmental conditions, medical history, and lifestyle. Whilst NHS struggles to cope with large numbers of patients, AI makes it easier to accurately and efficiently organise large amounts of data before deciding what step should be taken next.Furthermore, AI is often used to interpret tests and diagnose diseases. This includes common medical scans such as an X-ray which AI can be trained to interpret and predict possible outcomes. This makes decision-making easier and quicker for doctors and can ensure symptoms of a disease are recognised at an early stage.

Despite the several benefits of AI in healthcare, there are also many risks and ethical issues surrounding it. This includes system errors which is particularly harmful the more reliant doctors are on AI. Due to a misinterpretation of data, incorrect medication could be prescribed or inaccurate results may be given from scans. Ethical issues include the possible misuse of patient data and the power imbalance between large technology firms and healthcare providers. The more reliant healthcare providers are on technology firms, the more at risk they are of being taken advantage of which has a direct impact on the public.

Though there are disadvantages to be considered, AI has great potential for the future, including the ability to make early diagnoses which can prevent many from experiencing the harmful impacts of a disease. Also, AI would be able to speed up the process of clinical trials which currently can take up to ten years. By providing medication at a quicker pace, thousands of lives can be saved. Whilst it is important to be wary and avoid being over-reliant on the use of AI, it is also important to recognise its many current benefits and the potential it has for the future.

Source: https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/young-reporter/24827748.role-ai-revolutionising-healthcare-medicine/