The advancement of artificial intelligence in recent years has led to technological enhancements in a range of industries. This improvement is because of machine learning and algorithms in AI being improved by scientists. This allows AI to replicate decision-making much like a human would do. AI has already been integrated into various healthcare applications, like bone age calculations and disease diagnosis.
With the COVID-19 pandemic being a thing for over a year now, a lot of healthcare is dedicated to battling and preventing the disease from spreading. This begs the question, does AI have a role in tackling this disease? We think it does, and research has already been shown to support this. In this article, we will discuss the role that AI has in tackling COVID-19.
Role of AI in disease tracking and prediction
Healthcare can use AI to predict the spread of the virus and possibilities by using social media and news websites. In the past, AI has been used to predict the outbreak of pneumonia, so we can use this technology to predict the outbreak of COVID-19. All we would need is public data related to the disease.
Maintaing social distancing sign
AI algorithms for social distance monitoring have already been developed by looking at clusters of people from CCTV footage. This software also protects the identities of people, ensuring that privacy is not compromised. We could then identify the most vulnerable regions and then take precautions accordingly.
Early disease diagnosis
Healthcare can use AI to diagnose the virus early from chest CT and X-ray scans. There have already been breakthroughs in this aspect as researchers have constructed many learning models specific to COVID-19. Many of these models can help differentiate between pneumonia and coronavirus or mark regions of interest from a CT scan. This can help doctors diagnose the disease early, ensuring that the workload on them is reduced.
In addition, AI-based classifiers can predict the outcome of PCR tests by understanding the complete blood profile. This will ensure less dependency on PCR tests in areas where people cannot afford such tests.
Reducing the burden on healthcare staff
AI can help reduce the burden on healthcare staff by automating several processes that do not require high skill or training. This includes training future practitioners, analysis of clinical data, and digitizing patient reports. AIs can look at a list of symptoms and classify patients according to the danger they think patients pose so doctors can prioritize. In addition, machines with machine learning algorithms can ensure sanitization and disinfection around the hospital or clinic. In this way, AI can help reduce the burden and minimize human contact, one of the main ways the COVID-19 virus can spread.
Patients getting their temperature checked
Healthcare can also use AI medical chatbots for consultations with patients while they’re at home. This will prevent human contact with patients and doctors and reduce crowding in medical institutions, which will help negate the spread of the virus. For example, suppose a patient is showing symptoms of coronavirus but is not in any immediate danger. In that case, a chatbot can instruct them to stay at home and talk to a doctor on video.
Role of AI when dealing with misinformation
Another significant issue regarding the pandemic is the excessive amount of information related to the coronavirus. This information is usually incorrect either because it is unresearched, designed to create panic, or to get clicks. Spreading correct information in a timely way is essential if we are to get out of this pandemic. After all, people being careful and taking proper precautions can make a world of difference.
AI with machine learning algorithms can find trends and platforms where fake information is being spread to restrict them. Healthcare can also use AI to sort through the vast amount of data related to the virus and provide people with helpful information. For example, because of some fake information, people ended up taking horse dewormers to deal with the virus, causing many people to get dangerously sick. This can help provide people with an accurate representation and prevent them from panicking from fake statistics.
To sum up
Advancement in artificial intelligence has led to advancements in various industries and applications. Similarly, AI can play an important role when it comes to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare can use AI to automate many medical processes and make it easier to reduce the burden and reduce human contact. In addition, it can also help reduce misinformation that has made dealing with the pandemic quite tricky. We hope this article has provided you with insight into the role of AI in battling the pandemic. Stay safe!
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