Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the landscape of healthcare, opening up new potential in diagnostics, patient care, operations, and preventive medicine. This review provides an overview of the benefits of applying AI for increased diagnostic accuracy, for more effective personalized treatment, and for better patient engagement via virtual assistants, wearables, and telehealth. It also notes the role that automation can play in simplifying hospital workflows and minimizing administrative burdens. We also critically explore data privacy, bias, and accountability concerns, as well as challenges related to cost, integration, and equitable access. In the context of predictive and preventive medicine, however, the review sounds a positive note about the potential of AI to reshape an entire industry towards a proactive paradigm from a reactive one. Ultimately, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the replacement for the clinician but the highly skilled partner that compliments human expertise and contributes value to a more patient-centered healthcare system.