Artificial intelligence is measurably transforming healthcare today. This isn't science fiction or fancy gimmicks. It's not about deepfakes or plagiarized term papers. AI is being used responsibly to prevent medical errors, enhance clinical decision-making, expand access to care, and reduce costs.
While there is certainly some hype and misleading claims about AI, it is impossible to ignore the many examples of how AI is making healthcare more efficient, effective, and patient-centric.
The roots of AI go back centuries, with the first predictive algorithm devised by German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss in 1795. However, it's only in the last decade that AI and machine learning have really taken off, thanks to exponential increases in computing power and data availability. The true potential and risks of AI and ML algorithms are accelerating as unique applications and approaches are developed.
Today, these technologies are being used to predict health risks, recommend treatment options, and even generate new medical insights.
opinion
At Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation, we have been researching and testing AI in healthcare for over a decade, with a focus on serving the most vulnerable. Our approach is rigorous and scientific, ensuring technology supports clinicians, decisions are understandable, and patients are at the center of everything we do. We believe AI can truly transform healthcare, but only if it is developed and used responsibly.
PCCI has developed Isthmus, a secure, proprietary and private digital platform tailored for healthcare that uses cloud technology and industry-standard tools to securely store and analyze healthcare data. The platform is deployed within the hospital's existing electronic environment, preventing sensitive personal health data from being exposed to the outside world. This protected environment enables advanced analytics and modeling capabilities while ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive patient information.
This healthcare focus is based on a set of principles.
Clearly articulate the problem: Ensure the AI is solving a real problem and not just doing “cool math.” Assemble a multidisciplinary team: Include a committed lead clinician, operational experts, technology experts, and ethics/legal/compliance reviewers from the start. Prioritize data quality and relevance: Curate, validate, and analyze diverse data that accurately reflects your patient population.
We understand that accuracy is paramount in healthcare, which is why we take a careful and methodical approach to developing, deploying and monitoring medical applications. Patient safety and reliable outcomes are paramount in our process.
It is important to emphasize that the AI and ML tools developed by PCCI are designed to complement, not replace, the expertise and judgment of medical professionals. Our mission is to provide medical teams with the information and insights they need to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their patients.
AI is being used to prevent harm, enhance clinical decision-making, expand access, and reduce costs. AI must be developed and deployed with clinician oversight and patient-centricity.
Whether we know about it, understand it, or like it, AI is here to stay. It is exploding in the medical field and is revolutionizing the way we live our lives.
Steve Miff is president and CEO of Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation.
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