Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in the Management of Chronic Medical Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Due to the increased burden of chronic medical conditions in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) is suggested in the medical field to optimize health care. Physicians could implement these automated problem-solving tools for their benefit, reducing their workload, assisting in diagnostics, and supporting clinical decision-making. These tools are being considered for future medical assistance in real life. A literature review was performed to assess the impact of AI on the patient population with chronic medical conditions, using standardized guidelines. A MeSH strategy was created, and the database was searched for appropriate studies using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The online database yielded 93 results from various databases, of which 10 moderate to high-quality studies were selected to be included in our systematic review after removing the duplicates, screening titles, and articles. Of the 10 studies, nine recommended using AI after considering the potential limitations such as privacy protection, medicolegal implications, and psychosocial aspects. Due to its non-fatigable nature, AI was found to be of immense help in image recognition. It was also found to be valuable in various disciplines related to administration, physician burden, and patient adherence. The newer technologies of Chatbots and eHealth applications are of great help when used safely and effectively after proper patient education. After a careful review conducted by our team members, it is safe to conclude that implementing AI in daily clinical practice could potentiate the cognitive ability of physicians and decrease the workload through various automated technologies such as image recognition, speech recognition, and voice recognition due to its unmatchable speed and non-fatigable nature when compared to clinicians. Despite its vast benefits to the medical field, a few limitations could hinder its effective implementation into real-life practice, which requires enormous research and strict regulations to support its role as a physician's aid. However, AI should only be used as a medical support system, in order to improve the primary outcomes such as reducing waiting time, healthcare costs, and workload. AI should not be meant to replace physicians.