However you hear about the idea of ​​artificial intelligence – whether you believe that the future of humanity depends on it or will be destroyed by it – there is a large consensus that technology can benefit health.
Using AI to improve the accuracy of diagnoses like cancer and heart disease has shown great promise, and a paper from the National Institutes of Health suggests artificial intelligence could “transform clinical practice.”
Investors are definitely supporting this possibility. The medical AI industry saw $2.8 billion invested in the first half of 2024, according to a report from Silicon Valley Bank, while investment in the field is expected to hit $11.1 billion by the end of the year.
So where is the public opinion on the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals, research and the doctor’s office, and what factors should we consider to make the most of the technology in these places?
Access to ‘care’ for health care
When it comes to healthcare in the United States, there is no shortage of reasons to be disappointed.
Difficulty finding candidates, lack of communication and unsustainable costs are some of the biggest challenges Love Now Media found when talking to residents of the Philadelphia area.
“A lot of it is a breakdown in communication, like scheduling an appointment,” said Vita, of South Philadelphia. “The whole conversation, like, ‘Does my insurance cover this?’ ”
“Sometimes it can take up to six months to see a specialist, depending on where you live.”
Jessica, a resident of Philadelphia
Jessica, who was recently transplanted to the city, shared a similar sentiment. “It’s the planning, the lack of availability, the lack of support,” Jessica said. “That sometimes it can take you six months to see a specialist, depending on where you live.”
Administrative services account for about 25% of the $4 trillion spent on healthcare each year in the United States, according to a recent McKinsey report. The report highlights AI as a way to significantly impact the consumer experience by increasing efficiency across the board, thus freeing up doctors and nurses to spend more time with patients.
Ironically, artificial intelligence may be the thing that helps humanize our healthcare system.
What are the things that can cause people to be taken care of? Most of the answers were simple. Niani of North Philadelphia wants “a doctor who cares for me, a clean place and a friendly staff.”
Veronica in University City also didn’t seem to be asking for much.
“I think the most important thing is to have a stable relationship [and] trust,” said Veronica. I want to know that my caregiver cares for me and listens to me and is concerned about my well-being.”
AI as a treatment depends on the problem
Only about 40% of Americans were comfortable with their health care providers relying on artificial intelligence to diagnose and recommend treatments, according to a Pew survey from February 2023.
More than 55% of respondents said they would trust AI to diagnose skin cancer more effectively. And among those who believe there is discrimination in medicine, more than half believe that artificial intelligence can eliminate some of the discrimination.
Lucy from West Philadelphia thinks AI can help in the telehealth space.
“I think it depends on how it’s involved,” Lucy told Love Now Media, “and what’s involved. I believe in chatbots… I think it’s fine as long as it’s not the whole process.”
Selena from Havertown was also excited about AI’s technological potential in the future, and recalled seeing great presentations from medtech and healthcare startups at the University City Science Center’s Venture Cafe.
“Some of the best things we’ve seen coming through Venture Cafe are AI capabilities … helping with diagnostic testing so they can monitor you, and tell your doctor,” Selena said. “So you have a quick mind; you don’t always look forward to meeting someone in person.
One doctor told the New York Times that he saw about 90% of his requests approved after using the AI ​​tool, compared to 10% before.
While there are legitimate concerns about using AI in healthcare — data security and potential bias — there are some simple and surprising ways to use it that can have immediate benefits, both for patients and doctors.
There are now a variety of GPTs designed to give patients more confidence when dealing with healthcare professionals by helping to clarify medical information and facilitate better communication between patient and provider.
Additionally, if you wear an Apple Watch or other fitness/health tracker, you may be using AI to track your sleep, detect irregular heartbeats, or collect other metrics that could be very helpful in managing all of your patients.
And doctors are using AI to promote their insured patients, manage and document past approval requests and treatment denials. One doctor told the New York Times that he saw about 90% of his requests approved after using the AI ​​tool, compared to 10% before.
Love gets the last word
Since this was the last episode of a five-part series, I thought it would be appropriate to start where we started. Despite its focus on artificial intelligence, love has always been the guiding principle behind everything.
The last question that Love Now Media asked was whether the respondents had experienced love in the medical field. A few people talked about how safe they felt with their therapists and Lucy said that her general practitioner would hug her before and after visits.
I want to share my personal story.
On Sept. 26, 2022, I had a stroke. I was transferred to Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA, where I stayed for three days.
During that time, several doctors, nurses and specialists were in and out of my room, all with a lot of money to understand what happened and why. Their grief and compassion was palpable, as they performed a variety of expensive tests on someone who did not have health insurance at the time. I was never made to feel like my inability to pay in any way affected the level of care I received, which in my experience was not always the case.
In the end, we didn’t get an official answer – the final diagnosis was “cryptogenic ischemic stroke” – which is a nice way of saying it was “unknown.” But I didn’t pay anything more than an ambulance ride and a fine which I’m sure didn’t even begin to cover the cost of my stay.
I will greatly appreciate the love that was shown to me at that time, and I believe that we will not forget that there are some technical aspects that will not change.
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