Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Patient Care

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, and it can impact so many aspects of life. Workers in various job sectors are learning to use this new technology, and golfers are using artificial intelligence to improve their game! For example, artificial intelligence is often used to analyze a golf swing. 

Similarly, those who work in health care are also learning to adapt, using artificial intelligence to ultimately improve patient care. 

Middlesex Health is already using artificial intelligence in Radiology.

In 2020, Radiology began using artificial intelligence to help improve PET scans for patients who have cancer. In doing this, the department was able to dramatically cut down how long it takes to do the scan — from 24 minutes to six minutes. This results in more comfort for patients, as well as better quality images because patients move less. Dr. Ravi Jain, a radiologist, says better imaging is important because it can result in a more accurate diagnosis and better outcomes. 

In addition, Middlesex Health has special software that allows some of its MRI machines to utilize AI for brain, thoracic and cervical spine scans, and a few newer machines are expected soon. These machines will already include AI, allowing Middlesex to be even more efficient.

Middlesex is also using artificial intelligence in the Emergency Department to rapidly identify patients with brain bleeds, blood clots in the lungs, cervical spine fractures and even potential indicators of a stroke. Dr. Jain says this is important because these patients often need immediate treatment, and the instantaneous alert from artificial intelligence allows the health system to prioritize such patients for care.

Middlesex Health will likely deploy more artificial intelligence algorithms in the future to further improve outcomes for patients. Different technologies are always carefully considered to ensure the best possible outcomes. We will see what the future holds!

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