Orlando Health and AdventHealth Central Florida, two prominent healthcare systems in Central Florida, are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their administrative processes, sparking concerns about detecting serious conditions such as fatal ovarian cancer and sepsis.
The utilization of AI in making treatment decisions and patient identification is a possibility, as suggested by some experts. While AI systems do not age or experience fatigue like human staff, potentially enhancing patient safety, there is a significant level of unease among Americans regarding AI in healthcare, with 60% expressing concerns, according to a 2023 Pew Research survey. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also highlights the susceptibility of AI to human biases.
Despite these concerns, healthcare leaders emphasize that human healthcare professionals remain in control of decision-making throughout the care process. Dr. Victor Herrera, the chief medical officer for the Central Florida Division’s South Region, underlines that AI is meant to enhance, not replace, human expertise in healthcare.
In December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved 692 medical products incorporating AI and machine learning capabilities. AdventHealth Central Florida utilizes over 40 AI methods, with an AI Advisory Board convening regularly to assess new technologies. AI applications primarily streamline administrative tasks, such as generating medical notes, scheduling appointments, and monitoring patient data, contributing to time savings for healthcare providers amid personnel shortages in Florida.
AI is also employed for early detection and alerts, such as identifying potential strokes through imaging analysis and monitoring for signs of sepsis, a life-threatening condition. At Orlando Health, AI aids in selecting candidates for the hospital-at-home program, enabling patients requiring hospital-level care to receive services at home through remote monitoring and frequent visits.
The incorporation of AI in healthcare necessitates safeguards to mitigate biases and ensure data accuracy. While AI technologies have shown promise in reducing sepsis-related deaths, studies have revealed limitations in their reliability and accuracy compared to human professionals. Efforts are ongoing to refine AI technologies for enhanced diagnostic capabilities and clinical decision-making.
Innovations in AI extend to Orlando, with developments like AI-guided sonar technology for ovarian cancer diagnosis and the use of AI in patient care simulation and clinician training at the University of Central Florida. These advancements aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and healthcare training practices.
The evolution of AI in healthcare presents opportunities for enhancing medical practices and patient care, albeit with the necessity of continuous refinement, oversight, and adherence to ethical standards.
For more information, refer to the original article: Artificial intelligence usage rises at Central Florida hospitals (Orlando Sentinel, 2024).
