The Evolution of AI in Healthcare
Pittsburgh is emerging as a key player promoting the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare.
Early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has utilized large language models and telepresence to target patient interaction and workflow management; the aim has been to reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers while improving the patient experience.
For example, Abridge, a Pittsburgh-based health tech startup, is using AI to streamline clinical documentation. Abridge’s platform automates the creation of clinical notes by recording and summarizing conversations between doctors and patients. This frees up time for healthcare providers to focus on patient care rather than data entry but also ensures that medical records are accurate and comprehensive, enhancing the overall quality of care. Abridge recently raised $150 million to further develop its AI-driven solutions, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Early products have shown immediate benefits in reducing expenses and improving patient management. But things really changed in 2020. The Pandemic experience catalyzed incredible growth as the increased reliance on telemedicine and self care accelerated the adoption of technological solutions that might have taken decades otherwise.
Major tech giants have indicated their deep interest in investment. The Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare platform includes a suite of AI-driven tools aimed at enhancing patient care and optimizing operational efficiency. One of the key features of this platform is its ability to analyze large datasets, identifying trends and patterns that assist healthcare providers in making more informed decisions.
These programs are foundational, collecting patient data in real time allows healthcare systems to take the next step—using it to improve outcomes. Recently, Microsoft announced a partnership with the Mount Sinai Health System to develop AI models that predict patient deterioration in the ICU.
But the next steps involve AI directly in patient care delivery. Image diagnostics in Radiology are uniquely suited to AI’s image recognition and large data tools. Google Health has been at the forefront of integrating AI into healthcare, particularly in medical imaging and diagnostics. Algorithms assist radiologists in detecting diseases such as lung cancer and breast cancer, making them faster, more accurate, and less prone to human error. A new algorithm for mammography has shown to reduce false positives and improve detection rates.
Expanding AI’s Role: A New Regulatory Regime
As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications will be tasked to generate increasingly difficult and sensitive indications. A new regulatory regime will be needed to assess efficacy and safety. And where do we start regarding patient engagement and bedside manner: What happens when a black box delivers the bad news that you have cancer?
A significant milestone in this area is the FDA’s approval of AI-based diagnostic tools, such as those for detecting diabetic retinopathy. This AI-driven tool helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy—a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients—by analyzing retinal images. The ability to diagnose this condition early can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Gaining FDA approval for AI-based tools has not been without challenges. Initially, AI algorithms faced significant hurdles in gaining FDA approval due to concerns about reliability and the potential for bias in AI-driven diagnoses. However, recent changes in FDA policies have streamlined the approval process, making it easier for innovative AI tools to reach the market. As of 2024, the FDA has cleared over 700 AI healthcare algorithms, with more than 76% of these approvals related to radiology. This shift reflects the growing trust in AI’s ability to improve healthcare outcomes and the regulatory body’s recognition of the need to accelerate the adoption of AI in healthcare.
UPMC’s CPACE: A New Venture in AI-Driven Healthcare
In Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is at the forefront of integrating AI into healthcare through its new Computational Pathology and AI Center of Excellence (CPACE). Launched in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, CPACE aims to leverage AI to enhance disease detection and treatment planning, particularly in the field of personalized medicine. This center brings together experts in computational pathology, AI, and medical research to drive innovation in healthcare. By focusing on personalized treatment plans, CPACE is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care by enabling more precise and targeted therapies.
The establishment of CPACE is a significant development for Pittsburgh, further solidifying the city’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation. With a focus on using AI to transform pathology and improve patient care, CPACE is poised to make substantial contributions to the field of personalized medicine. The center’s work will likely serve as a model for other institutions looking to integrate AI into their healthcare practices.
Looking Ahead: The AI Horizons Summit
Pittsburgh’s role in AI-driven healthcare will be showcased at the upcoming AI Horizons Summit, set to take place on October 14, 2024, at Bakery Square. The summit will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of AI across various sectors, including healthcare. High-profile speakers, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian, will provide insights into how AI can be harnessed for societal good. The event will also highlight Pittsburgh’s contributions to AI innovation and its potential to lead the way in integrating AI into healthcare on a broader scale.
As AI continues to transform healthcare, Pittsburgh stands out as a key player in this evolution. From startups like Abridge revolutionizing clinical documentation to UPMC’s ambitious CPACE initiative (see above), the city is making significant strides in advancing AI in healthcare. The upcoming AI Horizons Summit will further solidify Pittsburgh’s role as a leader in AI, not just in healthcare but across multiple sectors, making it an exciting time for the city and the industry.
For more detailed information on these stories, you can explore the following sources:
