The purpose of this guide is to discuss the risks and benefits that are related to the use of Artificial Intelligence technology in the healthcare systems, specifically in social interactions with patients.
Computers have been keeping the healthcare business working for decades, and adding an AI element to the picture seems natural. Unfortunately, the health and well-being of humans physically and mentally is not computed by AI programs. By creating a smoother experience for patients, AI is taking the healthcare industry by storm, and changing the way it works for everybody involved. Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized the abilities of the healthcare system and has reshaped the way that physicians connect with their patients.
The research questions addressed in this guide are:
NOTE: This is a public-facing guide, available on the Internet
The development of Artificial Intelligence has become the newest jump in technology. Because of its various applications, AI has changed and benefits many areas of life, especially healthcare for patients. Because computers have been implemented into the healthcare system so much, the connections created by doctors with their patients have changed. Many articles and studies have been published on the subject, ten of which have been selected and placed into this paper. Some statistics and facts from government approved sources have also been included. In the healthcare industry technologies are the key to successful operations and treatments, and thanks to added AI measures much of what doctors have to do for patients is supervise and work with the technology correctly. If the positive trend of using AI in the healthcare system is to be maintained, clinicians must understand AI, patients must understand AI, and the human factor of the healthcare industry must not be lost.
Artificial intelligence is defined as an intelligent machine, capable of unassisted thought processes and conclusions. The term Artificial Intelligence was “coined” by John McCarthy in 1956 at a scientific convention at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire (Chamak 1). In the earlier fifties, Professor Alan Turing, who was influential in breaking the Nazi code and is known as the father of modern algorithmic theory, said that he would classify “a system as possessing artificial intelligence if it could produce responses to questions that were indistinguishable from those produced by a human being” (Grier 1). Since then, the growing abilities of computers have been astounding and their uses have multiplied. Now the public can use generative AIs and computer bots to draft essays, get directions, create art, and continue learning (known as Machine Learning, or ML). Alan Turning’s requirement for AI to be a computer with humanlike responses has been met.
AI, although it sounds human, is not human, which is why it has been able to do so much for research, science, and the healthcare industry. Many ML programs are constantly exposed to already published information and can instantly predict treatment plans much faster than a doctor may be able to. However, because of the brain chemistry of patients and their various needs, professionals believe that AI programs will not become the only resource for medical help. In fact, ChatGPT said it best when it stated: “While I can provide general information and guidance on topics related to mental health, such as coping strategies, self-care, and common mental health conditions, my responses are generated based on patterns and trends found in the data that I was trained on and may not always be appropriate for individual situations or cases” (Pratt 1). Much of what people experience and how they act accordingly is due to the way that others have dealt with them. While a computer may be able to understand the scientific reasons more fully for one’s mental challenges, it is not able to physically do anything about them. Because of this there is still much work for mental healthcare workers to do. Current AI technology does not have the depth to relate, therefore it may never be able to fulfill what a patient needs from their doctor.
Doctor in scrubs provides comfort and connection with patient
This image provides an example of how physicians should interact with their patients. It addresses the common knowledge that physicians should be supportive and professional, and be willing to Address the issues faced by those they care for. Adding AI into the healthcare workplace has altered the way that help is provided for patients, but that should not change the fact that real-life situations often require the aid of real-life doctors. This image is important because it symbolizes the potential for helping so many more people through the use of AI and ingenuity of clinicians
Beyond Innovation is a documentary show that explores the world's newest technologies and how they are advancing. Much of this video is devoted to giving an explanation of AI being used in the healthcare system, and how it is creating new ways to help people.
Source citation:
Beyond Innovation, Episode 15. A Tall Order Limited, 2019. https://fod-infobase-com.skagit.idm.oclc.org/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=189360