Artificial intelligence has been making significant contributions in various industries like finance, marketing, and manufacturing. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the use of AI in public health. AI-powered systems are well-suited for analyzing large amounts of complex data, which can help researchers and healthcare professionals make better decisions that can improve public health outcomes. Here are some of the ways in which AI can be used to make a difference in public health.
### Identifying Diseases and Early Detection
One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns and anomalies. This capability can be particularly useful in detecting diseases and predicting their spread. AI tools can analyze data from various sources, including social media, search engine queries, medical records, and internet-of-things (IoT) devices, to identify disease outbreaks and track disease spread in real-time.
For example, BlueDot, a Canadian health tech company, uses machine learning algorithms that scan news reports and airline ticketing data to identify early warning signs of disease outbreaks. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, BlueDot was able to flag the outbreak in Wuhan, China, nine days before the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a public warning.
Image recognition algorithms can also assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases. For instance, DeepMind, a London-based AI company, has developed an algorithm that uses machine learning to detect early signs of retinal damage that could lead to blindness.
### Personalized Treatment and Preventive Strategies
AI can also help healthcare professionals develop personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing medical records, genetic data, demographics, and lifestyle factors, AI systems can identify individuals at high risk for certain diseases and provide tailored preventive measures and treatments.
For example, Google’s DeepMind Health has developed an AI system that can analyze electronic health records to predict patients’ risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). The system can alert clinicians to the risk of AKI before it occurs, enabling earlier interventions and potentially preventing kidney damage.
Similarly, the company Babylon Health uses AI-powered chatbots to provide personalized healthcare advice and medical diagnoses to patients based on their symptoms and medical history. The system can also refer patients to appropriate specialists or healthcare facilities as needed.
### Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials
AI can also play a significant role in drug discovery and clinical trials. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of biological and chemical data to identify potential drug candidates and predict their efficacy and toxicity.
For instance, Atomwise, a California-based AI company, uses machine learning algorithms to screen and discover new drug treatments. The system analyzes millions of molecular compounds to identify potential drug candidates and predicts their effects on the human body. This platform has also been used to identify COVID-19 drug treatments.
In clinical trials, AI-powered systems can help researchers identify eligible patients and monitor trial participants’ adherence to treatment protocols. For example, AiCure, a New York-based technology company, uses AI-powered technology to monitor patients’ medication adherence and health outcomes in clinical trials.
### Future Possibilities for AI in Public Health
While AI has already made significant contributions to public health, there is enormous potential for further applications in the future. For instance, AI systems can help healthcare professionals design and implement public health interventions and policies that promote preventive measures and reduce disease burden. AI can also help healthcare professionals manage and analyze patient data more effectively and improve access to medical care in underserved populations worldwide.
Conclusion
AI has enormous potential to revolutionize public health by enabling earlier detection and more personalized treatments, drug discovery and clinical trials, and preventive measures. However, its successful application in public health requires a collaboration between technology experts, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
If properly managed and regulated, AI has the potential to improve public health outcomes worldwide and create a healthier, more equitable future for public health.