AI Revolutionizes Healthcare: From Diagnoses to Resource Efficiency – What to Expect in 2024
Medicine and healthcare have witnessed significant advancements with the integration of digital technologies, such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and open health. These once futuristic concepts are now part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the healthcare industry.
AI, in particular, holds immense potential in improving various aspects of healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, AI can enhance the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, transforming healthcare delivery. A study conducted by the International Research Centre and the AC Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo demonstrated the positive impact of AI in predicting breast cancer subtypes and determining treatment responses.
Moreover, AI can also optimize health resource allocation and aid in preparedness for public health crises like pandemics. At the individual level, wearable devices like smartwatches integrated with AI technology can encourage patient adherence to treatments, facilitate preventive measures, and collect real-time data.
In the near future, generative AI, represented by well-known platforms like ChatGPT, is expected to play a significant role not only in the development of medicines but also as a powerful assistant for frontline healthcare staff. These AI chatbots can effectively communicate in non-technical language, transcribe medical notes, and provide accurate medical information to consumers and patients.
However, the widespread adoption and implementation of these digital technologies, especially AI, require careful consideration of infrastructure and legal regulations. Governments worldwide are actively discussing legislation for AI, as indicated by the increasing mentions of AI in legislative processes across 81 countries, according to the 2023 AI Index Report by Stanford University.
Brazil, like many other countries, has introduced changes to existing legislation to accommodate the use of telemedicine and telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have significantly improved the efficiency of health financing in the public sector, expanding access to medical care through telemedicine. They have also led to cost savings for the private sector.
In addition to legal changes, the digitization and integration of healthcare systems call for the revision of existing laws. The concept of open health, which aims to integrate all relevant aspects of a healthcare ecosystem, emphasizes the need for comprehensive and accessible patient information within a unified system. Laws regulating the secure digitization and handling of patient records, such as Brazil’s Digital Medical Record Law, are crucial in facilitating this integration.
However, challenges lie ahead in terms of expanding internet access. Approximately 16% of Brazilian households, representing around 34 million people, still lack internet access. Efforts are underway to improve internet connectivity, with access providers receiving resources from the Telecommunications Services Universalization Fund (FUST) through the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) starting from August 2023.
As technology continues to advance, the regulation of AI becomes imperative. Cybercrime has seen a surge globally, demanding updated legislation to address emerging digital threats. Brazil’s Marco Civil da Internet, which defines the rights and obligations of internet users and providers, and the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) are steps forward in regulating technology, including AI. Further discussions in the Senate in 2024 aim to refine the usage of AI in the country, ensuring responsible and beneficial deployment.
Ethical considerations are also at the forefront of discussions surrounding AI. Human rights, bias, copyright, labor rights, job displacements, and the protection of sensitive data require careful deliberation. Responsibility, transparency, and trust are essential pillars that underpin the adoption of digital tools, especially in healthcare.
Striking a balance between costs, technological advancements, and effective regulation will continue to be an ongoing task in the healthcare industry. As we embark on the year 2024, it presents an opportune time to engage in comprehensive discussions and shape the future of AI in healthcare.
