New Innovations in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The total global artificial intelligence in the health care sector is estimated to reach a worth of $95.65 billion in 2028, up from $6.6 billion in 2021. Factors contributing to its growth include increasingly large data sets of digital information on patients, the rising demand for personalized medicine, and the wish to lower expenses. The higher percentage of geriatric populations and the vertiginous rise in chronic disease have led to a need for earlier disease detection and prevention. Below are just a few of the major inroads being made by AI in general health care and dentistry.

Testing for Cancer

Many platforms are specializing in the detection and prevention of specific diseases, such as cancer. San Francisco-based company Freenome, for instance, uses AI in screenings, blood work, and diagnostic tests to detect the presence of cancer at its earliest stages. It conducts what is known as ‘liquid biopsies’, relying on machines to analyze genomic, proteomic, methylomic, and transcriptomic data obtained from a routine blood draw. Its system is able to detect the presence of cancer via biological signals obtained from tumor and non-tumor sources.

Boosting Productivity

AI is also being used in large organizations to aid with daily organization. Through an analysis of large amounts of data, systems are able to identify the means through which to obtain higher productivity. By automating routine tasks, AI can free up medical teams, shifting their focus away from memorizing facts and leading them to innovation, further learning, and multidisciplinary working. By integrating AI into their workflow, teams can enjoy a positive change in their organizational culture, save time, and embrace fruitful procedural changes.

AI in Dentistry

AI has the ability to interpret routine X-rays more accurately than human readers. Through established algorithms, it can view and identify abnormalities that are only partially visible or visible from specific angles. They can identify issues such as root abscesses, calculus, and tooth decay more efficiently than human dentists, aiding in diagnosis and prevention. AI essentially provides real-time information that can help in critical situations. For instance, an emergency dentist who has doubts as to the issue affecting a particular tooth or teeth can rely on a trustworthy ‘second opinion’ provided by an AI assistant.

Tracking Movement

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, with up to 30% of all seniors experiencing at least one fall a year. Falls are the reason behind 95% of all hip fractures and 85% of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors. Companies like VirtuSense have created AI sensors that can track a patient’s movements and notify providers of potential falls. The list of products includes an alert system that lets hospital staff know when a patient is about to stand up. Another, balance-focused product employs AI and machine vision to predict a person’s risk of falling within the next year.

New developments in AI are constantly being made in the health care sector. Current systems enable medical teams to make more accurate diagnoses and prioritize prevention. AI is also enabling organizations to change key roles and procedures, saving them time by automating routine tasks and freeing staff up for further learning and innovation.