There is a general pessimism about AI. This is despite the fact we have not made any significant advances in AI. ChatGPT has brought the topic to the forefront in the last few months.
Tristan Harris is spreading fear. Harari says that this is worse than nuclear warfare. Major tech companies and moguls demand a six-month ban on the development large language models. (Though it’s obvious that nations like China will not halt their progress). Countries have banned it. And Silicon Valley has divided into factions.
There is widespread concern about the future of ChatGPT. With its rapid growth, it has amassed over 100 million users within a short time. It’s the most common question I get after each keynote speech or video.
I remain optimistic about the future of AI for healthcare despite these concerns. Although I have opinions on AI in general I will not comment on this aspect. Let’s say that I am using healthcare to explain why I’m hopeful about the future.
Here are my seven arguments. It’s not only about my romantic vision of an AI future (although I have one), I can also explain why I am optimistic.
1. Regulation catches up
Let’s go back a little bit and look at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In one of our research studies, we discovered that a medical technology using AI was already patented in 1996. The pace of development has increased in recent years and the number and variety of AI patents and technologies have exploded. In 2015, FDA already regulated AI-based medical technology, but the first comprehensive FDA study was only released in 2018.
In 2020, by accident, we were able to compile data about how many AI-based technology have been approved, and their specializations. In 2021, just one year after we released our database, the FDA cited us as their source.
We have moved from rudimentary regulations of AI-based technologies for medical purposes to a system dedicated to them. A database is also available to verify which AI technologies are allowed for medical applications.
It is for this reason that I believe regulation will eventually catch up. We must note, however, that not all countries’ regulations are the same. The FDA is a good benchmark for this. In light of these mature regulatory processes, I am optimistic that AI will eventually find its way into everyday life.
2. Doctor shortages are a serious problem.
The shortage of doctors is severe, and is expected to get worse as 10 million health professionals will be missing by 2030.
In the meantime, there are more and more people who need to see a doctor. We are not sicker because we have better healthcare. Instead, we can take better care of people with chronic illnesses over the long-term. This is why the gap between doctors and patients who need care is getting bigger.
AI is an excellent reason to be hopeful. We cannot let people suffer. We need to find other methods if there aren’t sufficient human resources to care for people.
This problem will not be solved by new technologies like 3D printing or sensors, but automation can provide a temporary solution until patients are able to consult with healthcare professionals personally. There are initiatives in mental health where a chatbot tries to be empathetic and keep patients company while they await a doctor.
It also has a positive side: the AI already compiles a report on the patient before they even get to the doctor. This makes the visit to the doctor more efficient.
3. Virtual care is on the rise
During the COVID pandemic, tens and millions of people learned that they can either accept remote care or not receive any care. Even after the COVID pandemic, this field continues to boom.
It is good news to all AI supporters because virtual care is possible if someone can analyse the data and if they can understand what the patient says, write it down, and then draw conclusions. It is not to replace a doctor with remote care, but rather to assist the doctor. The advancement of virtual healthcare promotes AI.
4. Understanding science is possible
AI is a complex technology. Even at its current stage of development, artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), it is difficult for developers to understand. It is possible to achieve a level of understanding that is sufficient for most stakeholders in healthcare.
The MRI machine is my favourite example. In the first year of medical training, we all learn how it works. But nine out of 10 doctors don’t know. They might claim that the spins of the particles are aligned in a certain way, but they have no clue.
We have enough knowledge of the science behind MRI to be able to send a person for a scan without worrying about anything bad happening to them. Although we don’t know how the MRI works in detail, we understand that it is safe and useful.
It is possible to achieve the same level of understanding in AI. We have also published a minimum package in our study, and we’ve even run a course, because we believe that a minimum level of knowledge is possible. It is important to have a basic understanding of the technology, so that everyone can understand it.
5. The evidence is increasing
Evidence for medical AI is growing. More and more AI technology is validated by clinical trials and studies. Just as all drugs are validated via studies, peer reviewed studies, and trials.
Sepsis Watch is a great example of a trend we are seeing with AI. It analyzes medical records to help staff identify patients at highest risk for sepsis. This is a useful tool but requires a complex analysis of a large amount of data. The Verge article is a great introduction to the sepsis-watch system.
6. The Moravec Paradox
The Moravec paradox is a result of the observation by researchers in artificial intelligence and robots that, contrary popular belief, reasoning only requires a small amount of computation, while sensorimotor skills and perception require massive computing resources.
It is easier to develop algorithms for higher-level cognitive tasks than to replicate a baby’s movements. It is more feasible to create a stock-market algorithm that controls trading rather than to create a robot which moves like a child.
As it is easier to algorithmize our cognitive functions than motor, movement-related, functions, the question of whether robots take over our jobs in the hospital by dressing patients does not exist. This task is not something that should be left to robots. Humans are a thousand-fold more skilled and cost-effective than robots.
AI can help us with cognitive tasks, such as analysing radiology reports or extracting diagnoses out of medical records. We will never feel tired digging through mountains and mountains of data.
7. ChatGPT allows physicians and patients alike to experience AI.
ChatGPT has made it possible to experience what it is like to work with AI. AI has been a toy for a select few, including researchers, developers and innovators. But it was out of reach for the average person. It was not available to the average person. Only a handful of doctors who worked in a special place, as well as a few lucky patients, had access to AI technology.
It’s a new era for AI. Now, hundreds of millions can use it every day to learn, feel and experience what it is like to work with AI.
AI is essential for the future of healthcare.
Despite the challenges and dangers, I am optimistic about the role of AI in medicine. Without it, we would not be able provide care. This is something I have been saying for more than a decade, not just since ChatGPT was introduced.
This paradigm shift is essential to the future of healthcare. The medical team, which includes the doctor and patient, will welcome a third person: artificial intelligence. To make the most out of this exciting process, we will need to adapt. If we adapt our thinking and develop our skills, an exciting future in medicine awaits.
The Medical Futurist published the post Seven Reasons to Be Optimistic about AI in Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don’t contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Is holistic medication legal?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. However, this is simply 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. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Many people prefer eating healthy foods to taking prescription drugs. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- 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)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Lack of scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatment is not for hippies only.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments can be more expensive than conventional medicines.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Let’s take, for instance:
Your mind can be anxious or stressed and you feel anxious. This causes you to become more tense. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
Differentiation between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Seven Reasons To Be Optimistic About The Future Of AI In Medicine
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/seven-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-future-of-ai-in-medicine
Published Date: Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don’t contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. These include homeopathy and acupuncture as well as chiropractic care, massage therapy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, nutrition counseling, physical exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They commonly refer to the entire person as “the body”.
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
Is holistic medication legal?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. However, this is simply 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. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Many people prefer eating healthy foods to taking prescription drugs. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Statistics
- 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)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was first developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), and his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure in 1924. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Lack of scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatment is not for hippies only.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments can be more expensive than conventional medicines.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Let’s take, for instance:
Your mind can be anxious or stressed and you feel anxious. This causes you to become more tense. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
Differentiation between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is founded on science. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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