Artificial Intelligence, the Digital Surgeon: Unravelling Its Emerging Footprint in Healthcare – The Narrative Review

Abstract

Zifang Shang,1 Varun Chauhan,2 Kirti Devi,3 Sandip Patil4 1Guangdong Engineering Technological Research Centre of Clinical Molecular Diagnosis and Antibody Drugs, Meizhou People’s Hospital (Huangtang Hospital), Meizhou Academy of Medical Sciences, Meizhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, India; 3Department of Medicine, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, India; 4Department Haematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Sandip Patil, Department Haematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for the healthcare industry, offering innovative solutions for diagnosis, treatment planning, and improving patient outcomes. As AI continues to be integrated into healthcare systems, it promises advancements across various domains. This review explores the diverse applications of AI in healthcare, along with the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of AI’s impact on healthcare and to identify areas for further development and focus.Main Applications: The review discusses the broad range of AI applications in healthcare. In medical imaging and diagnostics, AI enhances the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic processes, aiding in early disease detection. AI-powered clinical decision support systems assist healthcare professionals in patient management and decision-making. Predictive analytics using AI enables the prediction of patient outcomes and identification of potential health risks. AI-driven robotic systems have revolutionized surgical procedures, improving precision and outcomes. Virtual assistants and chatbots enhance patient interaction and support, providing timely information and assistance. In the pharmaceutical industry, AI accelerates drug discovery and development by identifying potential drug candidates and predicting their efficacy. Additionally, AI improves administrative efficiency and operational workflows in healthcare, streamlining processes and reducing costs. AI-powered remote monitoring and telehealth solutions expand access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.Challenges and Limitations: Despite the significant promise of AI in healthcare, several challenges persist. Ensuring the reliability and consistency of AI-driven outcomes is crucial. Privacy and security concerns must be navigated carefully, particularly in handling sensitive patient data. Ethical considerations, including bias and fairness in AI algorithms, need to be addressed to prevent unintended consequences. Overcoming these challenges is critical for the ethical and successful integration of AI in healthcare.Conclusion: The integration of AI into healthcare is advancing rapidly, offering substantial benefits in improving patient care and operational efficiency. However, addressing the associated challenges is essential to fully realize the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Future efforts should focus on enhancing the reliability, transparency, and ethical standards of AI technologies to ensure they contribute positively to global health outcomes.Keywords: artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, medical imaging, predictive analytics, clinical decision support

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• healthcare innovation
• medical imaging
• predictive analytics
• clinical decision support