AI in health: the global opportunity

AI in health: the global opportunity

There is much talk about the tangible benefits that data-driven insights can bring, and nowhere is this more apparent than in healthcare. Last month, scientists announced that they had developed a new antibiotic, all thanks to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data analysis. An algorithm has been used to analyze more than a hundred million chemical compounds in just a few days. The newly discovered antibiotic can destroy more than 30 types of bacteria and has been recognized in the medical community as a major breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

About the author James Petter, International Vice President, Pure Storage. While it's not impossible that this discovery happened without AI, it certainly sped up the process. This is a fantastic example of how technology can help and accelerate innovation in healthcare. Even better, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how artificial intelligence and data analytics can revolutionize healthcare around the world. We have already seen that these technologies are beginning to help develop personalized medications, reduce waiting times and clinical variation. These pockets of innovation are a good example of the fact that AI can be a real force for good in healthcare.

Monitor the virus epidemic

With the coronavirus becoming a major global problem, AI researchers are applying machine learning techniques to social media, the web, and other data to detect subtle signs that the disease may spread elsewhere. This isn't the first time we've seen a technology used to combat the spread of a virus - big data analytics was used a lot during the 2014 Ebola virus epidemic.

Take advantage of AI to fight cancer

Pathology is the cornerstone of most cancer diagnoses. However, most pathology diagnoses are based on manual and subjective processes developed more than a century ago. Paige is an organization that has revolutionized clinical diagnosis and treatment in this area through the use of AI. Complex data can be examined and analyzed in a much more precise and rigorous way, bringing us closer to finding cures for cancer.

Adaptable staff

It's no secret that healthcare facilities are constantly underfunded, understaffed and monitored. However, in recent years, healthcare trusts around the world have turned to technology to lessen the impact of this on patient outcomes. For example, many NHS Trusts use historical data to predict when they will need to increase staff to monitor patient influx for the upcoming flu season, or to mobilize other support staff to provide seamless A&E patient experience.

Reduces clinical variation

Clinical variation is one of the biggest problems facing the healthcare industry, resulting in wasted resources and poor patient outcomes. Any hope of eradicating or even reducing clinical variation requires the analysis of vast amounts of data. However, technology now exists to make this possible, promising greater efficiency and generating better outcomes for patients around the world. These examples of innovation would not be possible without the data and the foundation to transform this data into usable information. While the benefits of AI-powered data are undeniable, they are not without their challenges. Vast amounts of data must be processed and analyzed quickly, to make split-second decisions that technology is capable of. To do this, these projects require a very strong IT infrastructure and considerable computing power to operate efficiently.

Evolving technology

Traditional data centers for healthcare organizations have been relatively successful in terms of the ability of healthcare professionals to deliver patient care. But they were never built with the intention of running today's demanding data applications, especially for future projects. An approach is required with a particular focus on cloud storage, designed to provide massively parallel access to data at very high bandwidth, as is typical with cloud services. As this technology becomes increasingly important, it will be essential that data analysis and management skills become commonplace in all aspects of medical education. As healthcare organizations become increasingly data-driven, it is essential that staff, be they clinicians or administrators, are equipped to manage relevant AI technologies. Education, support, and collaboration will be essential to truly experience the benefits of this technology. Data truly has the power to not only address some of the biggest issues facing healthcare facilities, but to create real change, leading to greater efficiencies, medical breakthroughs, and ultimately better patient outcomes. patient. These game-changing innovations should not be held back because of old systems. Having an automated view of data management frees up time and resources, so healthcare organizations can focus on the real difference. Global healthcare organizations deserve a modern data experience that removes complexity and outdated systems, replacing them with fast, flexible, and agile solutions.