What Machine Learning Can Do For Healthcare

Featured article by Rick DelGado, Independent Technology Author

With the help of machine learning, some of the most exciting and promising improvements within the healthcare industry are just beginning to happen. In addition to helping healthcare professionals improve the diagnosis and care of patients, machine learning can also provide individuals with the technology to better care for themselves. As healthcare facilities and professionals work to apply these advances within machine learning to the healthcare industry, they can expect to see motivated patients, filled staff vacancies, improved facility efficiency, reduced money expenditures, and projected patient admissions.

Motivated Patients

One challenge that several healthcare professionals face as they work with patients that require long-term treatment programs is helping to keep them motivated throughout the duration of their rehabilitation. This is especially common for healthcare professionals working with cancer patients. With the help of machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions, certain apps have been developed to engage with patients during their rehab by using a conversational approach within the app. These programs are designed to keep patients motivated to continue their treatments as needed and they depend on machine learning technology.

Filled Vacancies

The healthcare industry is always in need of competent, qualified individuals who have obtained all of their certifications. Just as businesses invest in backup solutions for their data and software, it is important that healthcare facilities invest in talented individuals for their establishments. In the years to come, the job market is anticipating an increase in job availability for several healthcare professionals in the healthcare industry. For example, registered nurses can expect a 16% job growth rate between now and 2024, nursing assistants and orderlies can anticipate a 17% job growth rate, while physicians and surgeons can look forward to a 14% job growth rate within that same time period. Unfortunately, the high demand and constant need of trained healthcare professionals can often leave healthcare facilities short staffed. However, with the help of machine learning and automation technologies, the healthcare industry can implement various methods that allow them to function with less staff. As automation technology steps in to perform simple tasks, it will fill the void of vacant positions and allow those individuals currently working at healthcare facilities to dedicate their time to more important responsibilities.

Improved Efficiency

In addition to helping keep patients motivated throughout the treatment process and stepping in for vacancies, machine learning solutions can be used to improve the overall efficiency of healthcare facilities. As mentioned before, machine learning can help perform simple tasks such as filing and recording data, allowing current staff members to avoid being overworked and making mistakes while tired. Free from human error, machine learning and automation technology work to perform healthcare facility tasks accurately without making mistakes. Additionally, the use of automation technologies can also have the potential to cut down on paper waste. Incorporating machine learning technology within the methods healthcare facilities use can improve both the quality and consistency of basic work orders and tasks that every healthcare facility needs.

Reduced Costs

The use of machine learning can also help to reduce the amount of money spent within the healthcare industry. It is estimated that a large portion of healthcare facility expenses originate from the cost of paying the salaries and benefits of facility employees. However, with the incorporation of machine learning capabilities, this technology can be used to perform the simple tasks normally required of staff members. This implementation can allow healthcare facilities to consolidate their staff and reduce their expenses. By making this change, this new technology will be able to save current staff members time as well as minimize the expense healthcare facilities face as they hire additional healthcare professions.

Predict Patient Admission Rates

Another exciting area where the healthcare industry can apply machine learning solutions and automation technology is within its patient admission rates. With the incorporation of machine learning and big data, automation technologies will be able to predict the number of patients a healthcare facility is expected to admit at any given time. This estimated number will allow healthcare facilities to better prepare for an anticipated number of patients, either by having enough staff ready to work, surgeries scheduled at the most opportune times, and the right type and amount of supplies stocked.

Despite this application of big data analysis to predict patient numbers currently being in an experimental stage, it still provides the healthcare industry with a very promising future. Some hospitals are currently using this technology to shorten the necessary length of stays for their ICU patients. By predicting patient admission rates, the healthcare industry can take advantage of this technology to improve their facilities.

by Rick DelGado, Independent Author

“I’ve been blessed to have a successful career and have recently taken a step back to pursue my passion of writing. I’ve started doing freelance writing and I love to write about new technologies and how it can help us and our planet.” – Rick DelGado