Artificial Intelligence Should Start With Artificial Joints

Artificial intelligence (A. I.) will inevitably converge with medicine, yet how and where it will yield the greatest impact remains to be seen. If wielded wisely, machine learning and other related forms of A.I. may prove to be the lifeline health care needs. 

While the practice of medicine is an art and its history is storied, in today’s modern practice we permit ill-conceived electronic health records (EHRs) primarily designed for billing to enter patient rooms and detract from the doctor-patient relationship. Weighing available data stored in the EHR paints the picture of the patient, but reliance on the screen and the infinite clicks it demands creates nothing more than the illusion of patient-centered care at the expense of truly attentive, human-centered care.

By failing to tailor our plans by listening to the expectations, thoughts, and feelings of the patient in front of us, we practice cookie cutter medicine where one size fits no one. Continuing down this path will only lead to the further dehumanization of both doctor and patient. As Eric Topol describes in his new book, Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again, we are in the midst of a Fourth Industrial Age wherein Big Data, A.I., and robotics may be able to revolutionize health care inefficiencies, provide custom care, and maximize the latest evidence to guide treatment.

First described in 1956, A.I. has quickly become a reality with the ubiquity of advanced computing power and the newfound availability to collect and store vast quantities of data, colloquially known as Big Data. In studying this data, sophisticated algorithms may be created and improved upon to recognize patterns that aid in diagnosis or projection of value metrics.  

The practice of medicine has simultaneously transformed into a value-based industry focused on the best possible patient experience at the lowest possible price point. Orthopaedic surgery, specifically the field of lower extremity arthroplasty wherein diseased joints are replaced with artificial ones made of metal and plastic, is ideally poised to evaluate the impact of A.I. on the rest of medicine. 

First and foremost, joint replacement is usually elective surgery. The patient with end-stage arthritis on x-ray may be referred to a specialist for joint replacement, but the decision to operate requires shared decision-making that involves careful consideration tailored to the patient’s functional demands, medical status, quality of life, and expectations. A.I. boasts the ability to detect such nuance and anticipate the future with enough high quality patient data, which may lend to a sophisticated algorithm that predicts the risk of eventually undergoing a joint replacement, the cost and length of staying during admission, or even their post-operative recovery trajectory. 

By Prem Ramkumar | Forbes

Image Credit: Adobe

READ MORE

About Peter Coffaro 504 Articles
Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.