AI and Robotics Set to Revolutionise Healthcare in Asia Pacific
In an exclusive interview with biz360.tv, Dr. Mark Burby, Vice President of Health Systems at Philips APAC, shed light on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare over the next decade.
Dr Mark Burby, Vice President of Health Systems, Philips APAC
"Today, healthcare is simply not working as it needs to, and health systems are struggling to deliver accessible, high-quality care to patients," Dr. Burby stated. He emphasised that with challenges such as staff shortages, data overload, and workflow inefficiency, "the need for innovative solutions has never been greater."
According to Philips' 2024 Future Health Index (FHI) report, healthcare leaders in Asia Pacific (APAC) are rapidly embracing AI for clinical decision support across various areas of care. The report reveals that within the next three years, AI implementation is planned for preventive care (91%), medication management (90%), and in-hospital patient monitoring (89%), among other areas.
Dr. Burby highlighted generative AI as the next game-changer in healthcare. "Generative AI offers a solution in the form of advanced tools that can convert complex data into actionable insights and enable clinicians to make informed decisions efficiently and quickly," he explained. The FHI report indicates that a staggering 98% of APAC healthcare leaders are either currently investing (36%) or planning to invest (62%) in generative AI technologies within the next three years.
However, the adoption of AI and robotics is not without challenges. Dr. Burby noted that 95% of healthcare leaders in APAC have concerns about implementation, particularly regarding data bias in AI applications potentially widening disparities in health outcomes. To address these concerns, he suggested strategies such as "making AI more transparent and interpretable for healthcare professionals" and "ensuring staff diversity in data and AI."
Philips is at the forefront of integrating AI across its portfolio. Dr. Burby explained, "From helping clinicians acquire the right image and analyse it in the right way, to cutting the assessment time for cardiac MR and CT images, we are integrating AI across our portfolio to help clinicians make sense of all the information available to them so they can focus on what matters."
Looking to the future, Dr. Burby envisions healthcare as "a connected and accessible network of in-person and virtual care, with real-time and predictive insights supporting collaboration across the patient journey." He stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the healthcare industry, stating, "We harness the power of partnerships and leverage AI and informatics capabilities to innovate across imaging, interventional and monitoring, while ensuring AI and data is being used in a responsible manner."
Despite financial challenges affecting 92% of healthcare organisations in APAC, Dr. Burby remains optimistic. He noted that many are investing in ways to improve operational efficiency as a financial strategy. "It's heartening to see that close to half (45%) of the healthcare leaders in APAC surveyed in the FHI report have already implemented such solutions," he concluded.
As AI and robotics continue to advance, they promise to reshape the healthcare landscape in APAC, potentially improving patient care, empowering healthcare professionals, and driving operational efficiencies across the region.
Source: biz360tv
AI adoption in APAC healthcare: Over 90% of leaders plan to implement AI in areas like preventive care and medication management within 3 years.
Generative AI impact: 98% of APAC healthcare leaders are investing or planning to invest in generative AI technologies.
Implementation challenges: 95% of APAC healthcare leaders have concerns about AI implementation, particularly regarding data bias.
Philips' AI integration: Philips is incorporating AI across its portfolio to improve image analysis and clinical decision-making.
Future vision: Dr. Burby envisions healthcare as a connected network of in-person and virtual care, supported by real-time and predictive insights.