by In Central Florida, two major health systems, Orlando Health and AdventHealth Central Florida, have significantly embraced the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This technology is being utilized for administrative tasks and early detection of potential illnesses, including pancreatic cancer and sepsis. The ultimate goal is for AI to evolve to the point where it can assist in diagnosing patients and making treatment decisions.
Research indicates that AI could enhance patient safety by providing error-free support that does not fatigue like human staff. However, a substantial portion of the population remains wary of AI in healthcare settings. A Pew Research poll conducted in 2023 revealed that 60% of Americans are uncomfortable with the idea of AI being integrated into their medical care. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for AI to be influenced by human bias.
Healthcare leaders are quick to emphasize that while AI offers valuable support, it does not replace human decision-making. Dr. Victor Herrera, Chief Clinical Officer for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division—South Region, reiterated that doctors and other qualified professionals continue to lead the decision-making process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already approved 692 AI and machine-learning medical devices.
AdventHealth Central Florida utilizes AI in over 40 different applications, primarily focusing on administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and generating clinical summaries. This streamlines processes, particularly as hospitals face staffing shortages. Additionally, AI is employed to identify early indicators of strokes and osteoporosis in imaging, as well as monitoring patient vitals for signs of sepsis.
Orlando Health leverages AI to identify candidates for their hospital-at-home program, allowing patients in need of hospital-level care to receive treatment while remaining in their homes. AI also assists in monitoring patients’ conditions remotely, alerting healthcare providers to any concerning changes.
Despite the advancements, human oversight remains critical. Medical professionals review AI-generated alerts and have the final say in treatment decisions. The focus is on enhancing healthcare delivery rather than replacing human expertise.
While AI technology has shown promise in reducing administrative burdens and improving patient outcomes, challenges remain. Issues such as data bias and reliability have been raised, highlighting the necessity of maintaining human oversight and critical decision-making in healthcare.
In Central Florida, AI is not only being utilized but also developed. Dr. Shyam Varadarajulu is pioneering AI technology at Orlando Health’s Digestive Health Institute to assist in diagnosing pancreatic cancer—a critical area where early detection is essential for improving outcomes. His AI-guided endoscopic ultrasound technology aims to detect abnormalities in the pancreas, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
At the University of Central Florida, research is underway to create a human digital twin—a virtual representation of an individual—for potential applications in patient care and clinician training. Collaborating with AI experts, innovative efforts are being made to monitor and enhance clinician performance using advanced technologies like eye-tracking.
As AI continues to make strides in healthcare, the emphasis remains on using technology as a tool to augment human capabilities and improve patient care. The future holds great potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Central Florida and beyond.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
