In Ciesco’s 2023 Global M&A Review & 2024 Outlook, Dr Indra Joshi, Director – Health, Research & AI at Palantir, contributed an editorial that highlights the transformative impact of generative AI on healthcare, ranging from personalised patient experiences to drug discovery and productivity enhancements, emphasising the need for addressing regulatory and trust concerns for further progress.
The Guest Editorial by Dr Indra Joshi, Palantir.
Over the past year, generative AI has revolutionised the healthcare sector, transforming research, diagnostics, productivity, and ultimately clinical outcomes. This cutting-edge technology has unleashed a new wave of applications across the industry, paving the way for more personalised healthcare experiences.
Large language models have emerged as game-changers in everyday clinical practice. Doctors increasingly use these tools to facilitate communication with patients, streamline clinical note summarisation, and aid in differential diagnosis. For patients who feel confident using this technology, it has enabled them to explore research trials on the latest treatments, assess the appropriateness of treatment pathways or regimes based on their personal circumstances and medical history, and ultimately foster a more tailored healthcare experience.
Beyond clinical practice, the pharmaceutical industry has also reaped the benefits of generative AI. The technology has accelerated drug discovery by simulating molecular structures, predicting their properties, and identifying potential drug candidates. Moreover, generative AI is playing a crucial role in pinpointing patients at risk of developing conditions, understanding disease progression, and deciphering the genomic factors that might influence such progression.
Arguably, one of the most significant impacts of generative AI has been its ability to enhance productivity within the healthcare system. Amidst a workforce grappling with retention issues and services crippled by budget cuts and rising costs, LLMs have empowered staff to navigate complex records, optimise smart scheduling, and ensure the right person is in the right place at the right time.
The year 2023 marked a watershed moment in the implementation of generative AI in healthcare. Its profound impact on the sector and the democratisation of its use for a wide range of individuals has shifted the paradigm of AI applications within the industry. However, to truly move the needle on better clinical outcomes, we must now focus on addressing the more challenging issues of regulations and trust in these emerging technologies, with actions on designing accountable systems and placing humans in the loop to ensure clinical safety remains paramount.
Dr Indra Joshi has a unique portfolio of experiences stretching across data/ AI strategy and implementation. She created the NHS AI Lab, a £250m investment leading to the development and deployment of over 100 AI technologies in UK health and care. She is also a Founding Ambassador of One HealthTech, a global, volunteer-led, grassroots community that supports and promotes under-represented groups to be future leaders in health innovation.
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