Overview of artificial intelligence in medicine

TLDR

Artificial intelligence, first coined by John McCarthy in 1956, refers to computer systems that simulate human‑like intelligent behavior and is increasingly applied in medicine, necessitating that clinicians understand these advances for improved patient care. This descriptive review seeks to build primary‑care physicians’ knowledge and familiarity with AI by surveying the literature on its concepts, current uses, and future potential. The authors conducted PubMed and Google searches for “artificial intelligence”, cross‑referenced key articles, and synthesized recent advances and applications in medical practice. The review highlights that AI holds promise to transform medicine, yet most practical applications remain in early stages and require further exploration and development.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the term used to describe the use of computers and technology to simulate intelligent behavior and critical thinking comparable to a human being. John McCarthy first described the term AI in 1956 as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.This descriptive article gives a broad overview of AI in medicine, dealing with the terms and concepts as well as the current and future applications of AI. It aims to develop knowledge and familiarity of AI among primary care physicians.PubMed and Google searches were performed using the key words 'artificial intelligence'. Further references were obtained by cross-referencing the key articles.Recent advances in AI technology and its current applications in the field of medicine have been discussed in detail.AI promises to change the practice of medicine in hitherto unknown ways, but many of its practical applications are still in their infancy and need to be explored and developed better. Medical professionals also need to understand and acclimatize themselves with these advances for better healthcare delivery to the masses.