AI in Healthcare _ ___________________________________________________________________________
support using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to man- age depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues [47; 48]. Woebot is another example of an AI-powered app that delivers cognitive-behavioral counseling thorough AI conversations using a chatbot. It can track mood patterns by analyzing voice tones and tailoring interaction to the client [47]. Woebot has also been adapted for use in the management of substance use disorders by adding components of motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and craving and pain monitoring [46]. Woebot has been examined for preliminary feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability [46]. Using a pre -and post-test design with 101 users with an average age of 38 years, researchers found confidence to resist substances increased and cravings, past-month substance use, and anxiety decreased in Woebot users compared with usual care. Practitioners can incorporate AI-facilitated treatments, inter- ventions, and therapies to supplement traditional treatments/ interventions. These AI-driven treatments have been defined as being “digital and fully automated,” with the use of a con- versational interface, real-time, and personalized, and tailored to an individual’s need [48]. It is critical to emphasize that AI is not a substitute for a practitioner’s expertise, skills, and clinical judgment [42]. PROMOTE PATIENT MONITORING AND SUPPORT Chatbots, virtual assistants, and assistive robots can also be used to enhance the patient/client experience by automating schedule reminders, sending out personalized health tips and recommendations, and monitoring progress and treatment response and adherence [3; 4; 5]. Virtual assistants can assume some of the administrative responsibilities of healthcare pro- viders by reminding patients of their appointments and their treatment plan as well as collecting patient information to monitor progress and sending the progress check in reports their provider(s) [14]. Assistive robots can serve as helpers and companions to certain populations, particularly those who have limited mobility or disabilities who might benefit from increased companionship and support to reduce loneliness [35]. For example, pet bots have been created with sensors to respond to touch, sounds, and visual cues [35]. AUTOMATING OF CLINICAL PROCESSES As noted, AI platforms can be used to reduce the burden of daily administrative procedures, such as billing, authorizations, and charting [23]. Information from provider notes can be extracted in order to assign medical codes for billing, autho- rization approvals, and insurance claim processing [28; 35]. Other administrative tasks that AI may help to can automate and streamline include [28]: • Scheduling appointments • Managing by organizing, categorizing, and processing patient records and documents • Billing
by monitoring data breaches and reviewing administrative process to ensure compliance with regulations and laws ANALYSIS OF DATA AND EVIDENCE-BASED LITERATURE AI applications are able to aggregate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data and literature to offer evidence-based recommendations [4; 12]. Because it can be challenging for practitioners to sift through and aggregate, synthesize, and analyze multiple and large data sources, AI technology can be used to rapidly retrieve clinical literature and information from different sources in order to recommend treatment or diagnostic approaches [14]. AI applications are able to graph information from multiple databases quickly, which can give practitioners an accurate overview of the available knowledge base [49]. AI can even conduct social network analyses to identify a patient’s social support network, allowing the prac- titioner to assess and determine how to use or enhance this social support system [49]. EDUCATION AND TRAINING AI has potential application in the education of both patients/ clients and practitioners. Using chatbots other AI assistants, health- and/or mental health-related materials can be generated and easily disseminated for patient education, disease preven- tion, and awareness building. Chatbots can be programmed to answer patients’/clients’ questions quickly, and in certain circumstances, individuals may feel less embarrassed to seek guidance for certain conditions that may be perceived as stigmatizing [4; 14]. Education, training, and continuing education can be enhanced using AI platforms. Consider new medical students who can practice certain clinical skills with AI avatars in real- life simulated situations, or mental health counselor trainees practicing assessment and rapport-building skills with virtual clients [35]. A systematic review examined the role of AI in medical education, including potential strengths and limita- tions [50]. Researchers analyzed articles published between 2017 and 2022, and a total of 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, current application of AI in medical educa- tion was focused primarily on specialty training and continuing education. AI application has been employed in radiology, surgery, cardiology, diagnostics, and dentistry. Accreditation standards have generally not yet addressed the appropriate use of AI applications, and more empirical research is needed to examine its effectiveness [50]. BARRIERS, LIMITATIONS, AND ETHICAL CONSTRAINTS Although there are clear promises of AI applications, many have expressed concerns about the use of AI in health and mental healthcare service delivery.
• Sending reminders and communications • Improving data security and compliance
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