Al nurses hint at future of health

Technologies are becoming more important in how hospitals and healthcare businesses operate

- LAMONPHET APISITNIRAN

For patients meeting a nurse powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the first time, the process remains the same, though they are not communicating with a human.

AI nurses can quickly analyse patients' medical records and offer recommendations and diagnoses. These machines can receive help from AI-powered diagnostic assistance, which can analyse X-ray images, helping doctors to better examine patient disorders.

Welcome to the world of AI, which is increasingly integrated into medical care services.

The Explainer looks at some AI technologies that could shape the future of the hospital business.

What is an AI nurse?

An AI nurse is not a physical robot, but an AI-powered application in nursing.

Many hospitals are using AI nurses to help human nurses with clinical decision-making, patient monitoring and carrying out administrative tasks.

Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), which operates Thonburi Hospital, is interested in this technology and is applying it in tandem with smart registration for patients.

"Smart registration allows patients to register via tablets or kiosks at Thonburi Hospital," said Pumipat Chatnoraset, chief financial officer of THG.

The software for this registration was jointly developed by THG and Agnos Health, a health tech company specialising in AI and healthcare automation.

While smart registration simplifies the registration process and reduces waiting time for patients, an AI nurse obtains preliminary information from patients, including their detailed symptoms and what medication they are taking, said Mr Pumipat.

The AI nurse uses its quick computing ability to analyse large datasets and automate tasks, enabling nurses to focus more on taking care of patients and helping doctors plan treatments.