How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Health Care Delivery

Abstract

Purpose: The development of intelligent machines and artificial intelligence holds great promise for making health care delivery more accurate, efficient, and accessible. This article aims to summarize these potential applications of artificial intelligence, as well as challenges that remain for incorporating this technology into clinical and administrative settings. Methods: We performed an extensive literature review and identified frameworks used to classify different categories of artificial intelligence applications as well as different stages of development applicable to these applications. Results: We identified three primary categories of artificial intelligence applications related to health care delivery: administrative, diagnostic, and treatment-related. In each of these categories, applications varied with regards to stages of development. For example, deep learning algorithms are advanced with regards to pathologic and radiologic diagnosis; however, models that incorporate clinical data to predict diagnoses are less developed. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence can transform health care delivery. Nonetheless, several questions remain, including how humans will interact with artificial intelligence interfaces, how tools will be reimbursed and regulated, and how algorithms can be tailored for deployment in a variety of settings.