Jeanne Greathouse
Healthcare Director, BSI
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a force for good. In healthcare, it can improve outcomes for patients and relieve pressure on healthcare professionals (HCPs).
In 2021, the World Health Organization found that around 90% of countries experienced some form of disruption to health services following Covid-19. This remained at 84% in May 2023. According to BSI’s Trust in AI poll, 56% of people globally support the use of AI tools to diagnose or treat them or a loved one if it could improve their condition.
Prediction and prevention
One in two people polled by BSI say they are excited about the potential for AI to improve diagnosis accuracy or speed up recovery. AI can recognise complex data patterns, which can help to predict and prevent diseases.
Efficient medicine development
Applying AI to drug development could bring benefits, including reduced research costs, avoidance of human errors, acceleration to market and improved patient outcomes. For instance, AI could detect cell changes that humans can’t see. Quick analyses of extensive data could also help get drugs to market quicker.
Improving the experience for patients and HCPs
In BSI’s poll, over half said they support the use of AI tools to help them manage care remotely. Patients could, for example, avoid long waiting times by making appointments through an app or sharing vital signs with their GP online. AI-driven solutions have the potential to help both patients and HCPs save time by reducing administrative work.
About 57% of respondents support AI tools
being used to treat them, as long as they
are managed by a qualified person.
Working alongside doctors
About 57% of respondents support AI tools being used to treat them, as long as they are managed by a qualified person. AI can support doctors in decision-making and analysing data; this could improve patient safety by identifying risks and enabling early intervention.
Accelerating medical innovation
Looking to 2050, 28% of people said that it’s a priority for AI to make diagnosis easier for doctors. AI can advance medical innovation while ensuring quality of care. From 3D-printed artificial limbs to surgical robots, the healthcare sector has already seen dozens of AI-powered medical innovations.
Personalised medical approaches
Every patient is different, and individualised care may not always be possible. AI could compare various treatments, conditions and outcomes by utilising data from various patients with similar complaints. This could enable a customised approach, allowing for more effective treatments.
Relieving pressure
While AI utilisation in healthcare is continually evolving, AI can’t solve everything today. However, 77%, of HCPs said they would trust AI to fulfil some tasks — freeing them up to deliver care to patients. Another 57% said they believe AI could help meet staffing needs; and 58% agreed it could ease pressures, including reducing waiting times.
