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The emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly impacted the healthcare industry. Mahidol University has recognised the development and recently organised an event where experts and academicians gathered to discuss the importance of implementing artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector.
The discussions revolved around how AI technologies, such as machine learning and data analytics, can assist healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses, optimise treatment plans, and personalise patient care. Moreover, AI can streamline administrative tasks, improve resource allocation, and enhance patient engagement.
On this occasion, Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, a Member of the Mahidol University Council and President of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), acknowledged augmented reality’s increasing role in making the healthcare industry more efficient.
As AI advances, it transforms various aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics and treatment planning to patient care and administrative tasks. Augmented reality, a technology that overlays digital information onto the physical world, is becoming an invaluable tool in this transformation.
“By leveraging AI, it will not only expedite the diagnosis process but also enhance the precision of diagnoses,” he elaborated.
In healthcare, augmented reality finds applications in medical training, enabling students and professionals to observe intricate anatomical structures and surgical procedures in real-time. This technology enriches the learning process, leading to a deeper understanding of medical concepts.
Additionally, Professor Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, added that AI has the potential to generate a seamless work-life balance for doctors and healthcare professionals. AI technologies continue to advance and integrate into healthcare, alleviating some of the daily burdens and challenges that healthcare professionals face.
AI can automate routine tasks, such as administrative work and data entry, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care. It can enhance diagnostics, provide doctors with more accurate and efficient diagnosis tools, and reduce uncertainty. AI can also optimise scheduling and resource allocation, giving doctors more predictable schedules and time efficiency.
“AI-powered diagnostic tools can help doctors reach more precise conclusions, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for extensive and invasive procedures.” Furthermore, AI-driven remote monitoring solutions enable doctors to track patients’ health remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. AI supports decision-making by providing data-driven insights, streamlining administrative processes like insurance claims and billing, reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers,” he expressed.
Furthermore, they firmly believe that harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector will ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
On this occasion, Professor Apichat reminded us that Thailand’s demographic landscape has undergone a significant transformation, characterised by a notable increase in the elderly population, which now accounts for over 17% of the total populace. This demographic shift has officially classified Thailand as an ageing society. Addressing the unique healthcare needs of this growing elderly population presents a considerable challenge and opportunity for leveraging AI technology.
“Wise and responsible use of AI in healthcare involves addressing ethical concerns, data privacy, and ensuring that AI algorithms are transparent, unbiased, and validated for their intended purposes. Moreover, it’s essential to maintain a human-centric approach to healthcare, emphasising the importance of empathy, patient-provider relationships, and holistic care,” he elaborated.
Seeing this, it marks that Mahidol University underscored the commitment of healthcare professionals and academics to harnessing the power of AI to improve healthcare outcomes, which extends far beyond the confines of its campus. It is a declaration that they are not content with merely meeting the current standards of patient care and medical research; they aspire to set new standards and lead the way in shaping the future of healthcare and medical knowledge.