Artificial intelligence could shift health systems from treatment to preventative approach
The potential of artificial intelligence in early diagnosis and disease prevention in healthcare, the necessity of transforming financial incentives, and the risks of regulatory gaps are being discussed.
In the face of increasing health pressures driven by Europe's aging population, the critical role artificial intelligence can play in disease prevention processes and the regulatory challenges encountered are being examined.
Aging Population Pressure on Health Systems
As Europe's population ages, the pressure on health systems is steadily increasing. Experts argue that the permanent solution to this situation lies in preventing diseases rather than treating them after the fact.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Preventive Medicine
It is stated that artificial intelligence technologies can serve as a fundamental assistant in this transformation. HealthAI CEO Ricardo Baptista Leite emphasizes that simply adding artificial intelligence to an inefficient system will only increase inefficiency.
It is expressed that artificial intelligence systems have the potential to identify individuals carrying disease risks before they even fall ill, providing the opportunity for early intervention.
Shift in Financial Incentives and Funding Models
It is voiced that technology alone will not be sufficient, and that health systems must transition to financial incentives and funding models that reward prevention rather than treatment.
It is noted that through the combined analysis of social factors affecting health and health data, individuals in need of support can be identified in advance.
Lack of Regulation and Security Risks
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge stated that despite the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in European hospitals, the low number of countries regulating them puts patients at risk and erodes trust.
It is reported that while diagnostic tools are actively used in two-thirds of the 53 countries in the WHO region, only a small fraction have an official governance strategy.
Global Early Warning and Audit Efforts
It is stated that the HealthAI organization has developed a global early warning system in collaboration with regulators in 10 countries to detect adverse events and share risks.