Are we getting stupid with AI – by Dr. Dinesh Verma

Are we getting naturally stupid by using Artificial Intelligence in our lives?

I usually get up at 5.30 am in the morning prompted by Alexa through my smart speaker. I turn the TV on and YouTube music channel automatically starts playing my favourite Morning Flute/ Meditation music. After I finish my meditation, I open my WhatsApp on the smart phone and it has already prioritised the messages I have to see before going on my groups. The good morning messages link in to my response magically. My Google Assistant tells me my “To do List” I open my MacBook Air and the Gmail App has already highlighted the emails that I have not responded to in last three days!
I get ready for Gym and my FitBit smart watch tells me how many steps I need to do and which excercises I have to perform to keep my fitness regime. I finish my swim and get ready for breakfast. My smart watch has calculated the calories that need and which cereal I should eat.
I get into my Hyundai and it tells me that my right tyre pressure is low and gives me directions to the nearest petrol station where I can fill air. The GPS has already taken the venue of my meeting from Google Maps connected to my smart phone. And it’s only 10 am. As I reach the hospital, I have a representative waiting to sell me the latest software that can accurately diagnose my patients’ eye condition better than me!!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing various sectors and bringing about significant changes in how we live and work. One area where AI has shown immense potential and benefits is in healthcare provision. AI technologies are being increasingly utilized to improve patient care, streamline processes, and assist healthcare professionals in making better decisions. This article explores the impact of AI in everyday life and how it is transforming healthcare delivery for the better.

In our daily lives, AI has seamlessly integrated into various aspects, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations on streaming platforms and e-commerce websites. These applications of AI have made our lives more convenient and efficient, offering tailored experiences based on our preferences and behaviors.

In the healthcare sector, AI is playing a transformative role by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving treatment outcomes, and revolutionizing patient care. One of the key areas where AI is proving to be beneficial is in medical imaging. AI algorithms are capable of analyzing medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans with a high level of accuracy, helping radiologists detect abnormalities and make timely diagnoses. This not only reduces the risk of human error but also speeds up the diagnostic process, leading to faster treatment decisions and ultimately better patient outcomes.

AI-powered predictive analytics is another area where AI is making a significant impact in healthcare provision. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, including electronic health records, lab results, and genetic information, AI systems can identify patterns and trends that may indicate potential health risks or predict disease progression. This proactive approach enables healthcare providers to intervene early, personalize treatment plans, and improve overall patient care.

Moreover, AI is revolutionizing patient engagement and communication through chatbots and virtual health assistants. These AI-powered tools can provide patients with personalized health information, answer queries, schedule appointments, and even offer remote monitoring capabilities. By leveraging AI in patient care, healthcare providers can enhance the patient experience, improve access to healthcare services, and promote better health outcomes.

In addition to improving patient care, AI is also helping healthcare professionals in their daily practice by streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing decision-making processes. AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks such as paperwork, scheduling, and billing, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and less on administrative burdens. Furthermore, AI systems can analyze vast amounts of medical literature and clinical data to provide evidence-based insights and treatment recommendations, aiding healthcare professionals in making informed decisions quickly and accurately.

One of the most significant benefits of AI in healthcare provision is its potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By automating repetitive tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and optimizing treatment protocols, AI can help healthcare organizations operate more effectively and deliver better outcomes at a lower cost. This not only benefits patients by providing more affordable and accessible healthcare services but also enables healthcare providers to allocate their resources more efficiently and focus on improving patient care.

Overall, the integration of AI in everyday life and healthcare provision is paving the way for a more efficient, personalized, and effective healthcare system. By leveraging AI technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve treatment outcomes, streamline processes, and empower healthcare professionals, we can create a future where quality healthcare is more accessible and sustainable for all.

As we continue to advance in the field of AI and healthcare, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies are ethical and legal. That is the challenge I will be discussing in the next blog.

About the author

Dr. Dinesh Verma is FRCS fron Edinburgh. He spent long tenures in UK and US.
Now, after retirement, he had set up his abode at Goa. He now works on alternative wellness. He is also actively associated with social activities through an NGO.