Artificial Intelligence for a Healthy Life

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.

Dermatology is a dynamic medical specialty focusing on skin, hair, and nail conditions, and recent advancements in technology have sparked growing interest in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the field. AI's remarkable ability to analyze vast amounts of data and make accurate predictions opens up new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and patient care. In this article, we explore the exciting applications of AI in dermatology, highlighting how it is poised to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

AI algorithms are making strides in skin condition diagnosis by analyzing images of the skin and identifying abnormalities or patterns that suggest specific conditions. By comparing these images to an extensive database of known cases, AI can aid in the early detection of skin cancer, such as melanoma, and other dermatological issues. The integration of AI in this area promises to bolster accuracy and reduce the time required for diagnosis, ultimately saving lives through early intervention.

Cosmetic and aesthetic treatments stand to benefit significantly from AI integration. By analyzing facial features, skin tone, and other patient data, AI algorithms can recommend tailored treatment plans. Whether it's identifying the most effective skin care products or optimizing the placement of facial fillers, AI empowers dermatologists to achieve enhanced cosmetic outcomes. Furthermore, AI can analyze before and after treatment photos, enabling doctors to track progress and make real-time adjustments for better results.

AI's capability to analyze vast patient data, including medical history, symptoms, and test results, facilitates more precise treatment recommendations. This not only streamlines the decision-making process for dermatologists but also ensures patients receive personalized, evidence-based treatments. As AI continues to evolve, it holds the promise of providing cutting-edge, data-driven insights into the best course of action for each patient.

The emergence of AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots is transforming patient interactions in dermatology. These digital helpers can analyze patient data, answer common queries, and offer self-diagnosis guidance based on the latest medical evidence and guidelines. This empowers patients to take a proactive role in their health and reduces the burden on dermatologists by handling routine inquiries.

As a healthcare entrepreneur, medical futurist, and cosmetic physician, Dr. Harsha Jayakody foresees a bright future for dermatology with the continued integration of AI technologies. By leveraging AI for skin condition diagnosis, cosmetic treatments, precision treatment recommendations, and virtual assistants, dermatologists can enhance accuracy, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. While challenges in AI reliability remain, the potential for transforming dermatology is undeniable. Dr. Jayakody's insights reveal how AI is paving the way for a new era of skin care, promising better outcomes for patients and a more efficient practice for dermatologists.

3D printing has shown wonders in Digital Healthcare during the last few years and it is further evolving. When it comes to 3D printing biomaterials, it is also known as bio-printing. 3D printing is being used for creating personalized medical equipment at a lesser cost compared to conventional methods. This has a wide range of products from finger splints, plaster casts, orthopedic arm guards to production of microneedles in diabetes monitoring devices. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 3D printing of medical equipment has been used in hospitals for creating personal protective equipment for treating COVID-19 patients.

3D printing is also used for health education and surgical training. As an example, the researchers have used this technology to create 3D models of cancerous tumors to develop new anticancer drugs and also to train certain surgical procedures using these models. 3D printed organ models are used for medical education as well as pre-operational training in some of the leading institutions.

Majority of people who undergo amputations do not have access to prosthesis because of the price and the lack of availability. However, with 3D printing, it can make access for cheap and easily customizable prosthesis.

In healthcare, D printing is also used for tissue engineering. Research has been carried out for using this technology for creating blood vessels, missing bone pieces, teeth, heart valves, and even for replicating body parts like ears and nose. Currently, synthetic skin grafting is carried out for burn victims in some hospitals in the US.

3D printing for the pharmaceutical industry will also be handy in the future as personalized medications for certain diseases are getting more attention. Also with 3D printing certain combinations of medicines can be delivered in a single pill which is known as "polypill". Although most of these are theoretically possible, there are certain challenges when it comes to mass production. With new developments in the IT field surely these challenges can be overcome. Therefore, it is obvious that 3D printing technology will do wonders in the Digital Healthcare field in the future serving the best to mankind.