Pravir Ishvarlal, Data Scientist at Netcare, on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, at Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2023 hosted by IT News Africa. #HISA2023 #Healthcare #Healthtech #HealthInnovation
2. Introduction
Today, we'll explore the transformative potential of AI in revolutionising the
healthcare sector.
Key points: The impact of AI on healthcare, importance of this discussion.
3. Improving
Diagnostics
AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed. Machine learning, a subset of data
science, identifies patterns signifying disease, thereby streamlining diagnostics.
Key Points: Importance of accurate diagnostics, role of machine learning.
Statistics: According to a study, AI algorithms correctly diagnosed diseases in 87%
of cases, compared to 86% for healthcare professionals.
4. Precision Medicine
AI empowers precision medicine. It interprets genomic data, enabling personalised
treatments tailored to an individual's unique genetic and environmental factors.
Key Points: Explanation of precision medicine, role of genomics.
Statistics: According to industry, the precision medicine market is expected to reach
$217 billion by 2028.
5. Patient Experience
Data science improves patient experience by anticipating patient needs and
enabling personalised care plans, leading to improved adherence to treatment
regimens.
Key Points: Improved patient satisfaction through predictive models.
Statistics: A study showed that personalised care plans based on predictive
modeling resulted in 30% better patient adherence to treatment regimens.
6. Cost Reductions
By predicting future outcomes and optimising resource allocation, AI is a critical
tool for reducing healthcare costs.
Key Points: Use of predictive analytics for cost reduction, Kaiser Permanente
example.
Statistics: Predictive analytics used by Kaiser Permanente reduced the mortality rate
from sepsis by nearly 40%.
7. Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations, such as potential bias,
transparency, and trust, must be addressed to prevent
misuse of AI and machine learning in healthcare.
Key Points: Importance of addressing bias,
transparency, trust in AI.
Statistics: According to a study, 96% of AI professionals
agree that there should be ethical considerations in AI
development.
8. Conclusion
The intersection of data science and healthcare heralds a future where early detection, personalised care, and improved patient outcomes become the norm.
As we move towards this future, ethical considerations and challenges must be taken into account.
Key Points: The future of healthcare with data science, importance of ethical implications.
Statistics: According to a study, by 2040, health will be defined holistically as an overall well-being, driven by data.
9. Thank You
We have a responsibility to champion data literacy, promote collaboration
across disciplines, and ensure ethical practices in the development and use
of AI in healthcare.
Pravir Ishvarlal
pravirishvar@gmail.co
m
078 076 6048
Editor's Notes
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, and those of you joining us online, thank you for being here today. We are about to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of data and its powerful potential to redefine healthcare as we know it. This world we are stepping into, a merger of health and technology, will force us to confront the unimaginable and question the unquestionable.
To set the tone, I'd like to pose a question for you to ponder throughout this presentation: If we had an AI that could predict every health problem you may ever encounter, would you want to know? How would this knowledge influence the choices you make, the life you lead?
Let's delve deeper into how data science is changing diagnostics and precision medicine. Have you ever pondered the long and stressful wait that comes with a diagnosis? Data science offers a lifeline. Machine learning, a component of data science, can identify patterns in patient data that hint at a disease. Imagine a world where a simple ECG could predict a heart attack, or a single image could detect skin cancer.
Now, consider the advent of personalized medicine through data science. It means treatments are designed for each person, considering their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. By decoding the vast labyrinth of genomic data, data science is paving the way to personalized treatments with better outcomes and fewer side effects.
And what about the patient experience? With predictive models, we can anticipate patient needs, leading to higher satisfaction levels. Personalized care plans can lead to better adherence and outcomes. But, can we move further? Can we make healthcare not just about treating but also understanding and caring?
However, as we marvel at these exciting possibilities, we must also address the challenges ahead. One such challenge is ensuring data privacy, security, and ownership. Can we balance the power of data science with the necessity of patient privacy? Can we maintain the integrity of our systems while embracing innovation?
Another critical aspect is the ethical use of these technologies. How do we make sure our tools don’t unfairly favor certain groups or lead to discrimination? How do we maintain transparency in our tools? Can we trust a machine with something as vital as our health?
Lastly, we must face the challenge of preparing our workforce for this new era. We need professionals who understand both data science and healthcare. Are we doing enough to prepare the next generation for this new era of medicine?
But that's not all. Data science is also a beacon of hope in managing the skyrocketing costs of healthcare. Predictive analytics can foresee what might happen in the future based on past data. It can help predict hospital readmission rates, prevent unnecessary tests, and optimize resources. Kaiser Permanente has used predictive analytics to identify patients at risk of sepsis, significantly lowering the death rate. So, are we on the verge of a future where we can predict and prevent diseases rather than just react to them?
As we move forward, we are also tasked with managing the profound ethical implications of these new technologies. How do we balance the potential benefits of predictive healthcare with the risk of creating a 'surveillance state' in healthcare? Can we ensure that patient data is used to improve health and not for other purposes?
Moreover, can we guarantee equitable access to the benefits of data science in healthcare? As we move towards personalized healthcare, can we make sure that these benefits are available to all, not just those who can afford them? Could we be stepping into a time where quality healthcare isn't a luxury, but a right for everyone?
The marriage of data science and healthcare promises to revolutionize the way we see healthcare. But it's not just about creating smart tools; it's about understanding patient needs, the realities of the healthcare system, and the potential effects of the technology.
Are we ready for this change? Are we prepared to take part in and shape this revolution? Let's champion understanding of data, promote teamwork across different fields, and ensure ethical practices in data science. Let's tackle the complexities of this emerging field together, always keeping our shared goal in sight: a healthier, fairer world for all.
Let's create a healthcare system where data-driven insights do not replace but enhance the human connection between patient and provider. Where patients are not reduced to a collection of data points, but understood and cared for as unique individuals. And where healthcare professionals are not replaced by algorithms, but empowered by them to deliver better care.
In conclusion, we stand at the dawn of a new era in healthcare. An era defined by personalized care, predictive medicine, and data-driven decision-making. But as we step into this future, let's not forget the essence of healthcare - compassion, understanding, and human connection.
Thank you.