Authored by Mr. Sanjay Pathak – Head Healthcare and Insurance Solutions, 3i Infotech
Looking at the upcoming trends globally and across industry 'Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)' tops the charts. Generally, first thing which comes to mind is machine/cyborg taking over human elements and this has been depicted to various degree in many sci-fi movies. While, the reality is far away from that, it will be unjust to ignore how healthcare is evolving and adopting AI in real life to reduce cost and improve patient outcomes.
In current context, AI means simulation of human elements by machines/computers, where they acquire information (learning), process it to reach reasonable conclusions (action) and adapt themselves to situations (course corrections). AI leverages various technologies like Machine/Deep learning, Vision, NLP, Robots or autonomous machines etc.
As per Gartner, most organizations are in early stage of AI adoption. Only around 6% have it in use and more than 60% organizations are still trying to understand it. It will take a while before real benefits of AI can be leveraged. Below are areas where AI has already made its way or can bring in difference in future.
If we flip to other side of healthcare, i.e., 'insurance', AI can bring many value added services together with care side to bring down the overall healthcare spending globally.
The real test for AI system will depend on solutions' ability to integrate with the hospital or doctors' workflow. AI systems should not be perceived as extra process, as that will reduce the value such systems can potentially bring.
Adoption of AI in healthcare, both clinical and insurance will be slow and will face some challenges like:
Finally, AI or any new age technology adaption will face 'Iron Triangle' of healthcare (access, quality, and cost) test to prove its worth. For an industry which has always lacked skilled manpower to manage everyone's health, AI can do wonders in times to come.