Exciting AI Diagnostic Examples Transforming Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the healthcare industry, moving beyond mere speculation to practical application. In this article, we explore four remarkable real-life examples of AI diagnostics that are already making a significant impact on patient care.

Sepsis Prediction System by Duke University

Duke University Health System has developed SepsisWatch, an AI-based early warning system that predicts and manages sepsis, a life-threatening condition. By analyzing electronic health records (EHR) data, SepsisWatch can identify patients at risk of sepsis up to 36 hours before symptoms appear. This system, integrated into the emergency department at Duke University Hospital, has shown a 31% reduction in sepsis mortality rates and improved compliance with treatment protocols.

AI for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection

Google Health and Verily have created an AI system that uses deep learning algorithms to detect signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by analyzing retinal images. Tested in clinical settings in India, the AI system demonstrated high accuracy in identifying DR, comparable to that of ophthalmologists. By enabling early detection and treatment, this technology could prevent vision loss in millions of people.

AI-Powered Atrial Fibrillation Detection in Smartwatches

AI has enabled the development of smartwatches with atrial fibrillation (aFib) detection features. These devices continuously monitor heart rate and rhythm, using AI algorithms to detect irregular heartbeats that may indicate aFib. Studies have shown that smartwatches can accurately identify aFib, prompting users to seek medical evaluation and potentially preventing serious health complications.

Enhanced Gross Motor Function Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Researchers at the University of Cologne have leveraged AI to streamline the assessment of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. By developing a reduced version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) using machine learning algorithms, clinicians can assess motor function accurately in less time. This AI-backed process has demonstrated excellent agreement with the full GMFM-66 in both single assessments and longitudinal evaluations.

These examples underscore the tangible impact of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its role in improving patient outcomes and streamlining clinical processes. To leverage the full potential of AI tools, healthcare professionals must equip themselves with a solid understanding of AI’s integration into medical practice. Embracing AI in healthcare is not about replacing human expertise but enhancing it to deliver more efficient and effective patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Alternative Medicine?

It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.

Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.

Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?

When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.

In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.

Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. It may be because it’s less expensive.

The following are other reasons:

Some patients believe that natural remedies can be used to prevent a repeat.

Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.

Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.

People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.

What types of treatments aren’t considered holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healing. It focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms. Holistic medicine helps people recover from illness and promotes health.

Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.

Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention, early detection and healthy living.

Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.

Holistic practitioners pay more attention to the mind, the emotions, and the spirit than to the body.

Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.

Is holistic medical legitimate?

The answer is yes and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. No, because they don’t cure everything. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual’s health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.

Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. This is false. Although there were some natural remedies used by healers in ancient Egypt or Rome, these practitioners did not have scientific knowledge.

Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. In the 19th Century, almost all Western countries had public hospitals that could be used by trained doctors to provide medical care.

Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find it more effective than prescription drugs.

For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others still believe that regular exercise improves their bodies’ performance.

What do we mean by complementary medicine?

Complementary Medicine, also known as alternative medicine, refers to any medical treatment which is not part of mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.

Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. These complementary medicines are also known as “alternative”, “integrative”, or “integrative” medicine. They combine Western scientific methods and other proven therapies to heal people.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?

Although the evidence base for alternative and complementary medicine is still in flux, there are many reasons people choose them. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It could save you money and time in the long run.

Statistics

These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

What are the four types of complementary and alternate medicine?

There are four major types of CAM: mind-body medicine (natural products), manipulative therapies (energy healing), and manipulative therapies (natural products). Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products include herbs and vitamins, minerals as well as dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. Prayer and visualization are some of the techniques used for energy healing.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM professionals also perform diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, and prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM remedies treat symptoms, but don’t address the cause. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons why people use CAM:

To improve their overall wellbeing.
To manage a special condition.
To decrease pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

People turn to CAM for greater control of their health than conventional medicine. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on friends and family for word of mouth.

Although CAM is sometimes viewed negatively in society, many users have positive feelings about it. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. 95% of adults have used CAM at some point in their lives. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NCCIH, estimates that approximately 40 million people visited CAM providers in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10% of the U.S. population is treated by chiropractors or massage therapists.

2013 was a year that the American Medical Association (AMA) reaffirmed its support of integrative medicine. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients’ expectations and needs.

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent study revealed that almost half of respondents use CAM as partof their primary healthcare regime.

CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.

Many CAM treatments are used primarily for pain relief. However, they can also be used to improve mood, sleep quality, stress reduction, and immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Their roots date back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for example, was developed 5,000 years ago. It has been used in China since ancient times.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.

Another popular CAM therapy is yoga. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. Yoga is now an accepted global practice.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.

Even though there are limited scientific studies, yoga appears to have positive effects upon sleep33. This may make it useful for people suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM therapies like aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, and/or homeopathy are also becoming accepted in mainstream medicine.

The most widely used CAM today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines include herbs, spices and flowers, seeds, fruits and mushrooms, bark, leaves roots, stems, and bark.

They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to American Cancer Society, 45% adults diagnosed with cancer reported that they used alternative medicine during treatment.

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 60% of patients suffering from cancer use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 50% of all cancer survivors have reported using CAM.

According to a recent survey, 51% reported that they used at least one type (CAM) of CAM.

However, only 8% of these individuals discussed this use with their physicians.

This gap in healthcare delivery is caused by a lack of communication between conventional doctors and CAM users.

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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Exciting AI Diagnostic Examples Transforming Healthcare
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/4-exciting-examples-of-ai-diagnostics-already-in-use
Published Date: Thu, 30 May 2024 07:30:00 +0000