Health workers must adapt to Artificial Intelligence: call

Dar es Salaam. Healthcare workers have been reminded to adapt to the changing nature of their roles as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform the healthcare industry.

This is according to the news aired during the Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF 2023), organised by the Digital Health Forum and held in Washington, DC, United States, from December 4 to December 6, this year.

“They may need to develop new skills, such as data analysis and programming, to effectively work alongside AI technologies,” said a panellist, an engineer, Ms Jordan Shuff, a co-founder of Visilant, a social enterprise focused on designing digital health solutions to enable equitable access to eye care for vulnerable populations.

She went on to say that it’s also important for healthcare providers to maintain a patient-centred approach when integrating AI into their practice.

“While AI can provide valuable insights and support, it should not replace the personal connection and empathy that patients rely on from their healthcare providers,” she added.

For his part, a technical advisor from AI & Robotics Technology Park (ARTPABK), India, Mr Rhagu Dhamaraju, said that as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare across the globe, healthcare takers should be proactive in seeking out training and education opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI technology.

“By embracing AI and learning how to use it responsibly, healthcare takers can continue to provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes in the modern healthcare landscape,” she noted.

On the other hand, a biomedical engineer from Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering, Mr Soumyadipta Acharya, said if AI technology is used as well as it should be, it can also lead to more efficient healthcare delivery by optimising resource allocation.

“In rural areas where healthcare resources are limited, AI can help in identifying areas of need and facilitating better distribution of medical supplies and personnel. “This can result in improved healthcare services and outcomes for rural communities,” he revealed.

However, during the watch party held at Mwananchi Communications Limited offices in Dar es Salaam, a co-founder of the Tanzania AI Lab, Mr Essa Mohamedali, revealed that bringing awareness to AI in the health sector can lead to the development of innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of rural communities in Tanzania.

He said one of the primary reasons healthcare workers should stay informed about AI is its potential to improve patient outcomes.

“AI can analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may not be readily apparent to human healthcare providers. This can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatment plans, and better overall patient care,” he said.

He continued: “By understanding how AI works and the potential benefits it can bring, healthcare workers can better collaborate with AI technology to enhance the care they provide to patients.”

He added that AI has the potential to streamline administrative tasks and improve operational efficiency within healthcare organisations.

“From scheduling appointments and managing patient records to optimising supply chain management, AI can automate repetitive tasks and free up healthcare workers to focus on more meaningful, patient-centred activities.

“By learning about AI and how it can be integrated into their workflows, healthcare workers can become more effective and efficient in their roles, ultimately leading to a better overall experience for both patients and providers,” he explained.

However, he said that as AI continues to play a larger role in healthcare, healthcare workers need to be knowledgeable about the ethical and societal implications of its use.