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Technology in medicine advances at such a rapid pace that in 10 years a routine procedure can seem ancient from a future perspective looking back. The use of machines and computers has certainly revolutionized not only the practice of medicine but the idea of how best to manage patient care. As technology continues to advance worldwide Artificial Intelligence and its applications to various fields are becoming a more and more relevant discussion. 

Artificial Intelligence (or A.I.) is a very broad topic that has at times been misunderstood by its dramatic depictions in popular culture. A.I. as we know it now is not robots who become sentient and seek to overthrow mankind. Among other in-depth definitions, A.I. is often used to describe machines (or computers) that mimic “cognitive” functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as “learning” and “problem-solving”. A popular example of A.I is Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa which is constantly updating and learning more about the user. The more one asks them questions and the more one interacts with it, the more they become of us. 

From a medical standpoint using the learning aspects of A.I to spot patterns in patient care can be useful in managing patients with a chronic illness. Using A.I can show doctors and health staff the patients who are the highest risk. Some A.I can be used in apps that some developers say will create a personalized health plan for an individual based on previous data.

Though A.I can mean wonderful things for patient care and lighten some of the load on healthcare staff it is not set to replace the expertise of medical professionals anytime soon. For those not comfortable putting their hands solely in the hands of a computer, rest assured treatment and data is still double-checked and approved by doctors before being set into motion. A.I. is a tool to be able to get you the best care possible but the person in control is still you!

Peer Health can connect you with a personalized peer community to share provider recommendations, treatment options, and define your best life. Sign up for our beta and newsletter today.