European Respiratory Society (ERS): Artificial intelligence could improve diagnostic power of lung function tests http://ow.ly/h1at303xxE6
This new ERS post talks about a new research that has incorporated the use of artificial intelligence, AI, in Pulmonary Function Testing, PFT, interpretations. This technology will use data from PFT, background clinical information and other testing to generate an automated diagnosis. “The benefit of this method is a more accurate and automated interpretation of pulmonary function tests, and thus better disease detection.”
I recognize an ongoing movement in healthcare an…d other industries to create an automated and cost saving technology and, to reduce the number of Healthcare professionals involved in diagnoses and management of diseases. While this technology may simplify and speed up the process, it may limit and reduce the time spent between healthcare provider and patients. Pulmonary Function Testing session is more than just a diagnostic testing. During the initial and the following testings doctors, respiratory therapist, respiratory educators, pulmonary function technologist and nurses have a chance to offer patient education. Patient education can include answering questions about symptoms, proper puffer techniques, smoking cessation methods, and providing a psychological support.
The best case scenario for patients is to redirect some of the funds, saved from utilizing AI, toward replacing the lost face to face time with scheduled patient education sessions.