5 Ways Machine Learning is Transforming Healthcare

In recent years, technological advancements have transformed our lives in numerous ways. From smart phones to smart homes, many of us rely on various devices and forms of artificial intelligence (AI) such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa to help us do things faster, more easily and with greater efficiency.

One particularly meaningful change that’s taken place thanks to new technologies is the evolution of machine learning. Machine learning got its start when AI researchers decided to see if computers could learn based on data, according to SAS.

Today, machine learning involves automatically carrying out complex calculations based on big data. This allows computers to figure things out on their own and have led to phenomena such as self-driving cars, recommendations from services like Netflix, and fraud detection capabilities, SAS explains.

Machine learning is already empowering exciting advances and innovations in a wide range of industries. One area in particular where machine learning has the potential to make a significant difference is healthcare. Here are just a few of the most notable ways machine learning is transforming the healthcare field.

1. Diagnosis. Computer vision and diagnosis in medical imaging is one promising application for machine learning in healthcare, according to TechEmergence. One example of this is Microsoft’s InnerEye initiative. As more medical data becomes available, machine learning/deep learning will likely become a bigger part of the process of diagnosing patients.

2. Data gathering. Another notable way to leverage machine learning in the healthcare field is to leverage it to enhance data collection capabilities, TechEmergence states. AI and machine learning can help us make better sense of consumer data from interactive apps for patients with conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and Asperger’s syndrome.

3. Smarter electronic health records (EHRs). With machine learning and AI, EHRs can not only store data but also pre-populate information and provide reminders based on preference and user/organizational trends, according to Healthcare IT News. This can help healthcare organizations deliver higher quality care with greater efficiency.

4. More precise, personalized treatment. As we gain the ability to analyze individual genetics, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans (e.g., drug dosages) to match a patient’s specific needs and history. With more medical data becoming available, machine learning has the potential to prove useful in the realm of personalized medicine, according to TechEmergence.

5. Population health insights. Machine learning is allowing healthcare providers to gain insights into the health of larger patient populations, according to Healthcare IT News. This can help providers more effectively study and manage public health issues such as the opioid crisis.

If you’d like to learn more about machine learning, AI, and/or IT support for organizations in the healthcare industry, our team of tech experts can help answer your questions. Contact us today by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.

#1 Diversify your supplier base

When deciding on your optimal supply chain strategy it is essential to find a balance. Many healthcare organisations tend to rely on top-tier suppliers or primary suppliers, but perhaps you are looking to expand your supplier base and looking to adopt a multi-supplier strategy. Though working with multiple suppliers can add complexity to the supply chain, it also protects you against certain risks. If you’re not able to make a change in your primary supplier, it may be worth your time and effort to identify and qualify a second supplier source.

Qualifying new suppliers and transferring projects can get expensive and complicated, especially in the medical device industry, however building a flexible, stable and secure supply chain is vital to your success. You may want to evaluate supplier options closer to home and more available to meet the changing demands and needs of your business. Specialist trade fairs are a great starting point to look for opportunities to contract with large suppliers or smaller businesses, meet medical technology manufacturers and distributors all under one roof, to forge innovative and strategic supplier partnerships.

#2 Discover new solutions and medical technology trends and innovations

As healthcare organisations continue to harness smart technologies to accelerate efficiencies, reduce unnecessary treatments and improve preventive care, innovative technologies in healthcare have contributed significantly to improving patient care, presenting growth opportunities in MedTech and digital health. Thus, what better way to search for best-in-class solutions and practical applications of manufacturing technologies from the world’s most innovative MedTech companies from Singapore and Asia than at specialist trade fairs. With an expansive exhibit range, attendees can learn first-hand about emerging developments and advancements in medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and medical technology that are advancing precision medicine and the healthcare ecosystem.

#3 Capture MedTech opportunities as telehealth gains momentum

According to a McKinsey & Co. report, remote patient monitoring and self-diagnostics, and trials of hybrid online-and-offline models are bringing new care models for patients amid accelerating investments in digital health[2]. In the spotlight since the global public health crisis, telehealth and the demand for contactless and virtual medical treatments have been accelerated around the world. Specialist trade fairs offer a great platform to zoom in on some of the latest digital health solutions so you can keep your finger on the pulse of medical technology innovations and trends.