A local telemedicine company is in the process of developing models that will enable them to diagnose and treat patients remotely using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
During a press conference held on Thursday, Dr. Wilbrode Okungu, the Executive Director of NetDoc, explained that their telemedicine services have primarily relied on the medical history provided by patients to make treatment decisions. However, with the integration of AI, they aim to enhance the accuracy of these decisions by refining the patient-provided history.
Dr. Okungu went on to highlight how AI aids in swiftly sifting through patient histories and providing doctors with relevant data, thereby reducing the time traditionally spent on investigations and enabling more timely interventions. He emphasized that this not only enhances patient care but also leads to cost savings.
This innovation arrives at a time when AI is gaining global prominence in various sectors. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines for incorporating AI into healthcare, recognizing its potential to improve health outcomes through measures such as reinforcing clinical trials, enhancing medical diagnoses and treatment, promoting self-care, and personalizing healthcare.
Additionally, AI can supplement the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, particularly in areas with a scarcity of medical specialists.
Richard Olowo, the Chief of Party at NetDoc, suggested that the ability to access specialists remotely is a significant driving force behind the growing popularity of telemedicine, irrespective of a patient’s location, whether urban or rural.
To promote the adoption of such telemedicine innovations in Uganda, Olowo mentioned an awareness campaign called the GO campaign, which allows clients to connect with healthcare professionals of various specialties through a mobile app. The company has already onboarded 350 health specialists from both public and private hospitals, as well as international specialists.
Regarding the efficiency and safety of the initiative, Olowo revealed that they have been rigorously testing the system for the past three years, as per WHO requirements.
This testing not only ensures the quality of care and virtual interactions between patients and healthcare providers but also addresses data security concerns, safeguarding patient records from potential threats like hackers.
On a global scale, despite the growing potential of artificial intelligence and telemedicine in healthcare, reports indicate that many patients and healthcare users remain skeptical.
For instance, a recent survey in the United States involving 1,027 adult patients revealed that 51% were uncomfortable with the idea of their healthcare providers using AI in their care.