One of the fields where this transformation is most noticeable is in healthcare. Amid a global pandemic, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector has seen an unprecedented surge. This shift is not only vital for healthcare but is also a game-changer across different industries. A specific kind of AI, known as Edge AI, is at the forefront of this change, promising advancements like more responsive AI assistants, improved automotive safety systems, intelligent hospital management software, and cutting-edge robots.
Digital Healthcare in India
Even before the pandemic hit, the healthcare industry in India was gradually integrating digital technology into its operations. However, the onset of the pandemic accelerated this process like never before. In the past 15 months, AI, machine learning (ML), cloud solutions, and mobile apps have been deployed on an extraordinary scale and pace. As a result, healthcare services in India are rapidly becoming more digital.
Increased Popularity of Digital Consultations
Digital consultations, a concept existing well before 2020, were not mainstream in India until the pandemic forced people to stay home. The necessity of social distancing and lockdowns made digital healthcare solutions not just popular but crucial. Patients could now seek medical advice from the comfort of their homes through virtual consultations.
This shift has not only been convenient but has also proven to be life-saving for many. Doctors, too, find it safer to practice amidst a deadly virus outbreak. Thanks to the availability of healthcare IT solutions, hospitals and physicians can continue their services without disruptions. IoT-powered medical devices further enable remote monitoring of patients.
Improved Diagnosis & Care Spurred by AI
The introduction of next-gen digital capabilities, such as hospital management software and ML-powered diagnostics, has brought about remarkable improvements in healthcare. Intelligent AI programs are increasingly being implemented in clinical practices, providing medical care professionals with accurate data and deeper insights. This, in turn, enhances their ability to treat critical illnesses effectively. Additionally, the availability of radiation-free and noninvasive diagnostic techniques has dramatically improved the treatment experience for patients.
AI and ML have revolutionized customer experience in healthcare. AI-assisted surgery and image-guided surgery have witnessed significant enhancements, while tools like chatbots are used for initial patient screening. Appointment-booking apps for doctors have simplified the consultation process for both patients and physicians.
More Personalized Patient Care in Hospitals
Personalization is a global trend that has now found its way into the healthcare industry, thanks to technologies like AI and ML. These innovations enable medical researchers and care providers to offer incredibly personalized experiences for patients. From drug discovery to clinical trials, AI is driving a more experience-driven and personalized approach.
With access to massive amounts of patient data, hospitals and clinics can gather deeper insights and create better care services and drugs. Privacy and data protection are critical concerns in this era of data-driven healthcare. Integrating secure data management tools into hospital management software ensures that patient data is handled with utmost confidentiality. An increasing number of healthcare companies are utilizing ML and advanced analytics to gain crucial insights from health records.
Wrapping Up
As India continues to bolster its digital healthcare infrastructure post-pandemic, healthcare providers need to formulate dynamic strategies. Whether deploying custom-built healthcare IT solutions or automating processes using AI, adaptability should be at the core of their approach.
A recent report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India predicts that the Indian HealthTech industry will reach $5 billion by 2023. This underscores the transformative role technology is set to play in healthcare.