AI Adoption in Healthcare

Healthcare Leads in AI Adoption, Outpacing Other Industries

The healthcare and life sciences sector leads in AI adoption, deploying over 170 AI models on average, compared to 159 in other industries. This rapid uptake has resulted in 81% of AI-mature healthcare enterprises performing better in 2023 than in 2022. Additionally, 80% reported significant improvements in customer satisfaction and revenue growth.Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in data governance, compliance, and cybersecurity. Nearly three-quarters of organizations struggle with assessing cybersecurity risks within their supply chains. The sector's strategic focus on AI is evident, with 24% of IT budgets dedicated to AI initiatives and 93% planning to increase AI spending by 2025.

Government AI Projects

NHS to Benefit from Share of £32m AI Funding

The UK government has announced a £32 million funding initiative for AI projects, with the NHS among the beneficiaries. Key projects include Nottingham-based Anteam's collaboration with the retail and health sectors to enhance delivery efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve patient experiences. Digital government and AI minister Feryal Clark emphasised the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, including healthcare. 98 projects involving 200 organisations will benefit from the funding.

Health Foundation polling shows broad support for AI in the NHS, but experts caution about potential issues such as patient-staff disconnect and decision-making accuracy. Recommendations include designing AI to support human interaction, addressing regulatory and training concerns, and recognizing AI's varied impact on different professions.

Medical Innovation

AI Revolutionizes Antibiotic Development for Safer Treatments

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have utilised AI to develop a safer version of the antibiotic Protegrin-1, which was previously toxic to humans. This new drug, named bacterially selective Protegrin-1.2 (bsPG-1.2), has shown promise in animal trials, potentially offering a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

The AI model, similar to the one behind ChatGPT, was trained to evaluate millions of variations of Protegrin-1, identifying those that effectively target bacterial membranes without harming human cells. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of new antibiotics, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments against resistant bacterial strains. Further testing is required before human trials can commence.

AI Training in Healthcare

OSF HealthCare Mandates AI Training for All Employees

OSF HealthCare has mandated generative AI (genAI) training for all 24,000 employees to address workforce shortages, administrative burdens, and clinician burnout. The "Getting to Know Generative AI" course, designed to be engaging and accessible, aims to establish AI literacy across the organisation. Key training messages include validating genAI results, recognizing false information, and avoiding unapproved tools for patient data.

78.75% of employees completed the training.74% reported enhanced knowledge.65% found the content relevant to their roles. Ongoing training is essential due to the rapid evolution of AI tools. OSF HealthCare also developed Prompt Buddy, a tool to facilitate peer learning.

AI in Patient Care

NHS Staff Support AI in Patient Care, Public More Hesitant  

A recent study by the Health Foundation reveals that over 76% of NHS staff support the use of AI in patient care, with 81% also endorsing its application for administrative tasks. However, public opinion is more divided, with only 54% supporting AI in patient care and 61% in administration. Concerns about AI's accuracy and its impact on the interpersonal aspects of care are prevalent among the public.

Tim Horton, assistant director of insight and analysis at the Health Foundation, emphasises the need to build confidence in AI systems among both the public and NHS staff. He notes that while AI has the potential to alleviate NHS pressures, it must gain widespread acceptance to be effective. Engaging in open conversations about AI's role in healthcare is crucial to address these concerns.

Healthcare Technology

AI's Role in Global Healthcare Transformation 

The global healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by technology, demographic changes, and evolving patient needs. Deloitte's 2024 Global Healthcare Outlook highlights AI's potential to personalise patient interactions, streamline processes, and free clinicians for complex tasks. Conversational technology, supported by generative AI and cloud computing, is also reshaping care delivery by integrating various healthcare aspects and addressing social determinants of health.Examples from India, Croatia, and Brazil demonstrate the effectiveness of AI-driven conversational platforms in enhancing patient interactions and streamlining processes. These technologies enable healthcare providers to offer personalised, intuitive services via popular messaging apps, improving patient experiences and operational efficiency. However, human involvement remains crucial for quality control and empathetic patient care.