Uses and advantages of artificial intelligence in medicine

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics since ChatGPT was released to the public in spring 2023. According to many, it is one of those technological milestones that, like the internet, has the potential to revolutionize our lives before we even realize it. Many opportunities are emerging on the horizon across various sectors, particularly artificial intelligence in medicine, which is generating a great deal of expectation and hope.

What is artificial intelligence in medicine?

In February 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved more than 500 AI applications; by October 19 of the same year, there were nearly 700. However, it is not easy to understand where the line lies between what could truly revolutionize the sector and what will not. We are not heading toward robot doctors, but rather toward an increasing integration of machine learning systems in specific areas and specialties. There are specialized training programs for those who want to take part in this healthcare revolution, for example through an MBA in Healthcare & Pharma or a Master in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Business.

What is clear is that the use of artificial intelligence in medicine is still in its early stages, but its potential is already enormous. For example, it could transform the way doctors diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, as it could have, and already partially does have, a major impact on the development of new therapies and drugs. Currently, the use of AI in medicine can be divided into two macro categories: virtual and physical. The virtual part includes medical imaging analysis, data analysis, drug development, and personalized medicine; the physical part mainly includes the use of AI in robotic surgery.

Applications of AI in medicine

1. One of the main uses of AI in medicine is medical imaging analysis. Artificial intelligence algorithms can analyze MRI scans, X-rays, and CT scans to help doctors detect and diagnose diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. There are machine learning systems with an “eye” comparable to that of an experienced radiologist, as they can store information from many reports and learn the best way to interpret exams.
2. Second, there is the predictive aspect, for example in the cardiovascular and oncology fields. AI systems can identify heart failure from an electrocardiogram with a level of reliability comparable to current clinical standards.
3. Third, there are decision-support systems that, based on treatment guidelines, patient records, and scientific literature, allow the most appropriate choice to be made for each case, enabling personalized treatment.
4. A fourth area of AI application in medicine is drug discovery, identifying the most promising molecules among those already known and used for other conditions. In fact, AI algorithms can analyze huge amounts of data to identify new drug targets and 3D models of biological structures. This leads to faster and more efficient drug development and saves researchers time-consuming tasks.
5. The fifth application is chatbot systems that provide increasingly accurate and personalized medical information. These sophisticated systems are currently being studied to assess the accuracy of their information and whether they could even be used to develop official training programs for healthcare workers.
6. Finally, surgeons can use AI-powered robots to perform complex surgical procedures with greater precision and accuracy. In addition, artificial intelligence could be used to develop more advanced prosthetics and implants, improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Benefits of artificial intelligence in medicine

• With ongoing cuts in public healthcare and resulting staff shortages, doctors are increasingly few and under pressure. For example, general practitioners cannot constantly monitor every change in their patients’ medical histories. Therefore, there is a risk of missing particularly vulnerable situations that require closer monitoring. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it is possible to automate a system that alerts doctors to critical situations.
• AI can also analyze large amounts of medical data to identify patterns and trends that help healthcare professionals make faster and more efficient decisions. For example, a 2017 U.S. study showed that approximately 40–50% of a doctor’s time is spent on “desk work,” such as reviewing medical records and issuing prescriptions.
• In this sense, AI software could analyze electronic records to identify patients at risk of developing certain diseases, allowing doctors to take preventive action and select the best treatment options based on medical history and current conditions.
• Another benefit of AI in medicine relates to clinical trials. Algorithms could be used to analyze clinical trial data to identify new therapeutic options or patients who may benefit most from experimental treatments.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we diagnose, treat, and manage diseases. Before we realize it, AI could revolutionize medicine, just as it is already transforming many other sectors, leading to more personalized and effective treatments, faster diagnoses, and more efficient drug development.