Artificial Intelligence for a Healthy Life

harsha impacts doctor-patient interaction with technology The digital transformation of healthcare has revolutionized patient care, with electronic medical records (EMRs), telemedicine, and AI-driven diagnostics improving efficiency. However, these advancements also pose challenges, particularly in doctor-patient interactions.

Many patients today notice their doctors spending more time on screens than engaging with them directly. This shift, driven by extensive documentation requirements, can extend consultation times and reduce valuable face-to-face interaction. Even tech-savvy doctors struggle with data entry, diverting attention from patient care.

To ensure technology enhances rather than hinders healthcare, simplicity is key. Digital tools should be intuitive, minimizing data entry during consultations. Automating tasks and utilizing pre-visit digital forms can streamline processes, allowing doctors to focus on medical care.

Another concern is the potential loss of human connection in healthcare. Empathy, eye contact, and bedside manner are crucial for patient trust. Solutions like voice-to-text software and digital prescriptions can assist with documentation without disrupting doctor-patient engagement.

As digital healthcare evolves, maintaining a balance between efficiency and human touch is essential. By prioritizing user-friendly technology and preserving personal interactions, we can enhance healthcare delivery while ensuring patients feel heard and cared for.

Healthcare is being rapidly revolutionalized by Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing transformative changes that enhance speed, accuracy, and decision-making across various healthcare domains. Medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans can be shiftly analyze with AI powered tools and provide rapid and accurate results, significantly reducing time for diagnosis. It may also improve the efficiency and support decision making of the clinicians. Detection of conditions like cancer early, perticulary in the radiology and pathology fields can save many lives in the world.

Additionally, AI offers data-driven insights by analyzing electronic health records (EHRs) to predict patient behaviour and certain disease patterns specially in non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension and metabolic syndrome. These predictive capabilities enable healthcare providers to act proactively and support decision making in clinicians. The accuracy vastly improves patient outcomes and also boosts confidence in healthcare systems. Furthermore, AI supports doctors in better clinical decision makings by processing vast amounts of data, identifying trends, and providing evidence-based recommendations swiftly. This assistance empowers clinicians to focus on more personalized care while improving overall efficiency within their busy schedules. Despite its immense potential, the integration of AI into healthcare requires careful navigation of challenges.

Proper regulations and ethical frameworks are essential to ensure its safe and equitable adoption. Data privacy and data security must be prioritized to protect sensitive patient information. AI systems must also be transparent and interpretable to build trust among healthcare providers and patients. The blackbox phenomenon needs to be discouraged.

Addressing biases in AI algorithms is another critical concern, as biased data can lead to disparities in care delivery. Regulatory oversight is necessary to validate the accuracy and safety of AI applications, ensuring accountability in their use. Whether we like it or not, AI is set to dominate the healthcare industry within the next decade. It is our responsibility to work collaboratively, streamline its implementation, and harness its potential for the betterment of humanity. AI will never replace doctors but will serve as a powerful tool to enhance their capabilities and make healthcare more efficient and effective - provided it is used responsibly and ethically.

The recent WONCA 2024 South Asia Regional Conference, which also marked the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka, was a grand event held at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo over three engaging days. This significant MICE event attracted numerous participants from various countries.

Dr. Harsha Jayakody, representing the Health Information Unit (HIU) at the Ministry of Health, delivered a significant presentation at the conference's scientific sessions. He revealed key findings from a comprehensive trilingual web-based survey involving 120 healthcare workers from 30 state sector hospitals. His presentation underscored the urgent need for targeted capacity building to drive digital health transformation in outpatient departments across Sri Lanka.

As a pioneer and leader in digital health in Sri Lanka, Dr. Jayakody emphasized the critical need for capacity building among healthcare staff to promote digital health in the outpatient department setup of selected state sector hospitals. His contributions underscored the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to leverage digital tools effectively, ensuring improved patient care and operational efficiency.

The hospitals are still stuck in the 20th century which was clearly shown during the pandemic. They were not ready at all to cope with the demand and were unprepared even in the developed world. Though digitalization has evolved in every other sector, digital health is not embraced fully from top to bottom in the institutional healthcare sector. It's time to rethink and redesign the hospital sector matching the needs of the 21st century. By leveraging digital technologies and embracing patient designs, a patient centric approach will make hospitals more suitable for the future needs of mankind.

Imagine a future where your own couch in your living room can be a diagnostic lab or an examination room or even a wellness hub! All your health data will be shared and visualized by your General Practitioner via remote health monitoring devices and the doctor or the caretaker appears on the screen of your own tab via a live video consultation telemedicine session. A doctor visit to a hospital will only be when it is absolutely needed. Mostly the hospitals will be catering Acute Emergencies, intensive care facilities, radiology and operating theaters for minor/ major surgeries.

There may be centralized digital data centers which analyze the patient’s own health data and facilitate digital support systems for doctors to provide more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans including continuous health monitoring. Digital health with Artificial intelligent technologies may provide seamless processes to enhance patient experience to overcome the lacking physical interactions. Robotic involvements and process automations can help the care givers in the hospitals to provide more time for essential patient care rather than spending time for documentation and logistic issues.

The future hospital designs may be changed according to the patient's needs and expectations. The hospital's rooms will be more visually appealing and surrounded with screens. The augmented reality technology will be used to make the environment and experience more friendly during the healing journey.

Though the technology may overcome most aspects of the future hospital care, the acute and complex patients will still rely on experienced human hands.

Dr. Harsha Jayakody
Healthcare Entrepreneur
MBBS (Sri Lanka) MBA in Health Admin (Malaysia) MSc in Biomedical Informatics (Sri Lanka)
MD in Health Informatics (Sri Lanka)

In an age characterized by unparalleled technological strides and rapid shifts in healthcare dynamics, the concept of "Healthcare Entrepreneurship" has emerged as a radiant gateway for both budding professionals and the industry on the whole. Amidst the intersection of healthcare and innovation, there has never been a more pivotal moment to inspire young minds to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurial thinking.

While the traditional perception of healthcare revolved around medical expertise and patient welfare, a fusion of technology, data analytics, and a patient-centric ethos has broadened healthcare's scope. Today's healthcare entrepreneurs are not confined by hospital walls; they embody trailblazers who bridge gaps, decode challenges, and convert visionary ideas into tangible solutions.

Healthcare entrepreneurship isn't restricted to birthing startups; it encapsulates the realm of reenvisioning healthcare delivery, medical contrivances, pharmaceutical advancements, and beyond. By urging students to transcend conventional thought, we nurture an environment of innovation, fostering the genesis of revolutionary breakthroughs.

In this vibrant epoch, the youth hold sway not merely as tomorrow's leaders, but as today's change architects. By ingraining an entrepreneurial mindset early on, we empower young intellects to take the reins of adversity, explore uncharted territories, and conjure ingenious solutions.

As we reflect on the enriching career guidance symposium orchestrated by the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Peradeniya, the seeds of transformative thinking have been ceremoniously sown in the minds of our imminent healthcare leaders. This assembly of final-year students hailing from varied disciplines—Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, B Pharm, Radiography, and Radiotherapy—embodies a confluence of passion and purpose. Dr. Harsha Jayakody's luminous discourse on "Entrepreneurship in Healthcare" illuminated uncharted corridors where innovation intersects with compassion. Armed with not just degrees, but also ignited by an entrepreneurial spark, these pupils embark on their odysseys. Dr. Jayakody emphasized that they are poised to visualize a healthcare panorama transcending limits, rewriting norms in the process. This symposium was more than an event—it was a revelation, underscoring that the future of healthcare rests in the audacious hands of these emerging pioneers.

During a momentous occasion, the University of Ruhuna's Faculty of Medicine had the privilege of hosting the esteemed Academic Sessions 2023 Symposium. The central theme of the event revolved around "Leveraging Digital Technology in Healthcare Delivery." Eminent experts from diverse fields gathered to share their insights on the crossroads of technology and healthcare, with a specific emphasis on the groundbreaking innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

A significant highlight of the symposium was the presence of Dr. Harsha Jayakody, a distinguished guest speaker who brought a distinct perspective to the forefront. Dr. Jayakody, widely recognized for his proficiency in the domain, was extended an invitation to impart his deep-seated wisdom on the transformative capabilities of AI and ML in the context of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment.

The symposium offered a podium for attendees to engage with Dr. Jayakody's perspectives, delving into how these emerging technologies are reconfiguring the healthcare landscape. Participants were treated to an insightful discussion on how AI and ML are enriching diagnostics precision and refining treatment procedures, ultimately culminating in improved patient outcomes.

With heartfelt appreciation, Dr. Harsha Jayakody extended his gratitude to the University of Ruhuna's Faculty of Medicine for granting him the opportunity to contribute to this pivotal event. He also commended the thoughtful involvement of the participants, underscoring the significance of perpetual collaboration and innovation at the confluence of healthcare and technology.

As the symposium drew to a conclusion, the resonance of the dialogues lingered, leaving an indelible imprint on the attendees. Undeniably, the event has rekindled a renewed dedication to propelling advancement at the crossroads of technology and healthcare. Utilizing hashtags such as #DigitalHealthcareSymposium, #AIforHealth, and #MLforHealthcare, the enduring impact of the symposium continues to transcend its physical confines.

In an epoch characterized by swift technological strides, the University of Ruhuna's Faculty of Medicine Academic Sessions 2023 Symposium stood as a luminary of knowledge and synergy, casting illumination on the potential of AI and ML to mold the trajectory of healthcare provision.

Dr. Harsha Jayakody, delivered a thought-provoking and insightful presentation on the remarkable applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of dermatology. This momentous event took place at the highly esteemed AI for Health Workshop & Meeting, a collaborative effort between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The prestigious gathering convened at the renowned Harvard Innovation Centre (HI), nestled within the esteemed Harvard Business School in Cambridge, MA, drawing healthcare professionals and experts from all corners of the globe to explore the convergence of AI and healthcare.

Dr. Jayakody's engaging talk illuminated the transformative potential of AI in dermatology, underscoring its critical role in reshaping diagnostic and treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes. Real-life case studies and practical examples showcased AI's profound impact in diagnosing skin conditions and analyzing dermoscopic images, demonstrating how it elevates the accuracy and efficiency of dermatological practices. As a result, his presentation captivated the diverse audience, comprising professionals from various disciplines, who were deeply inspired by his wealth of expertise and in-depth knowledge. In his address, Dr. Jayakody also underscored the vital importance of establishing robust governance frameworks to accompany the rapid integration of AI in dermatology. He shed light on the ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and potential risks of algorithmic bias that necessitate thoughtful examination to ensure responsible AI implementation. Dr. Jayakody and his team have taken it upon themselves to work towards achieving this crucial objective. He passionately emphasized that stakeholders from all corners of the globe must collaborate to ensure AI integration in dermatology is firmly rooted in ethics, fairness, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. The AI for Health Workshop & Meeting provided an ideal platform for sharing knowledge, envisioning the future, and nurturing collaborations that will drive the ethical application of AI in the field of dermatology. Dr. Jayakody's significant contribution has ignited a fervor among attendees to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead and harness AI's full potential to revolutionize dermatological care for the betterment of patients worldwide.