Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare

Research on artificial intelligence in healthcare and education defines AI as "the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making."

The researchers state, "AI has the potential to bring about positive changes in healthcare and to empower patients by providing them with more control over their health. In recent years, AI has been used to improve the delivery of healthcare [by] providing personalized health information."

AI algorithms can analyze information, including medical histories, lifestyle factors, and patient preferences, to "provide patients with tailored recommendations for maintaining good health, [helping] patients better understand their health and make informed decisions about their care."

These features can help healthcare providers develop and distribute educational resources that reflect a patient's circumstances. For example, AI tools can help summarize a patient’s specific medical information and then adapt educational materials for better relevance and accessibility. They can also help healthcare providers identify recurring patient questions and develop resources that address these questions.

 

AI and patient education

An article on the role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice states that "Patient education is integral to healthcare, [since] informed patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment regimens and achieve better health outcomes.

More specifically, the researchers explain that "AI has the potential to play a significant role in patient education by providing personalized and interactive information and guidance to patients and their caregivers."

Patient education helps individuals understand their diagnoses, recognize potential complications, follow treatment recommendations, and participate in decisions about their care. However, patients may struggle to understand medical terminology or remember information provided during appointments.

In these cases, AI solutions can help organize complex information into more accessible educational materials. For example, an AI tool could help a healthcare provider develop a jargon-free explanation of a new diagnosis or create a checklist of steps a patient should follow after a procedure.

 

The power of personalization

Providers can use AI to analyze appropriate patient information, including medical history, demographics, and behavioral patterns, to help develop customized educational content. In addition, the previously mentioned study explains that "AI technology can also be applied to rewrite patient education materials into different reading levels. This suggests that AI can empower patients to take greater control of their health."

Adapting educational materials to different reading levels can also help patients better understand their medical information. Providers can tailor the format and length of educational resources to address individual learning needs. For example, if a patient with diabetes is comfortable with medical terminology, they may benefit from resources discussing their insulin management, like when to use their prescribed Lantus SoloStar pen and how to adjust their dosage. The provider could then distribute these materials using secure email, allowing the patient to revisit the instructions whenever they need.

On the other hand, if a patient with heart disease has difficulty understanding complex medical language, their provider can use AI to develop simple explanations of how to use their medication, which foods to avoid, and how to better manage their stress.

In both cases, AI can help providers personalize information based on patients' stated preferences and individual circumstances. These AI-generated materials must be reviewed for medical accuracy before they are sent, as these resources will only be useful when they contain reliable information. Healthcare organizations must establish policies governing the information employees can enter into AI tools and the circumstances in which AI-generated content may be shared with patients and what to do in case of a data breach involving AI-generated content.

 

Chatbots and virtual assistants

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help patients access educational information and answer common healthcare questions. The article reviewing the role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice discusses how AI can help give “personalized and interactive information and guidance to patients and their caregivers.”

Healthcare organizations can apply this capability through AI assistants that explain medical terminology, answer general questions about appointment preparation, or direct patients to relevant educational resources. For example, if a patient gets diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), their provider could send them information explaining the condition and their treatment options, like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). While AI assistants can help make this information more accessible, providers are still the ones responsible for reviewing its accuracy. Since providers are the ones responsible for handling patients’ PHI, they must evaluate how chatbots are collecting and processing this information. Healthcare organizations should implement boundaries in terms of the medical guidance an AI assistant is allowed to provide, especially since AI-generated responses may contain inaccurate or misleading information.

 

Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics allows healthcare organizations to analyze data and identify patterns that indicate future health risks. Using a predictive analytics tool can help providers identify which patients will benefit from a specific type of education. More specifically, the above-mentioned research discusses how AI can analyze large datasets and identify patterns to help providers make better clinical decisions. Their review describes AI's potential to improve patient care through applications such as personalized medicine and population health management.

In patient education, healthcare providers could use analytical tools to identify groups of patients who may need additional information. For example, when a patient needs to improve their blood glucose monitoring and medication adherence, their provider can use AI to develop relevant educational resources. Providers could then distribute these resources via HIPAA compliant email, helping patients understand how to interpret their blood glucose readings and keep track of their medications.

Predictive analytics can help healthcare organizations make educational outreach more targeted. However, predictions don’t guarantee that a patient will experience a particular outcome. So, providers must evaluate the accuracy and determine the limitations of analytical models before using their outputs to guide patient communications.

 

Data visualization tools

AI-assisted data visualization tools can help simplify information, like lab results, into charts, graphs, and other accessible formats. For example, a healthcare provider could use an AI-assisted tool to help prepare a chart showing changes in a patient's blood glucose measurements over time, accompanied by an explanation of what the measurements represent. Their provider might also use a visual aid to illustrate progress toward an agreed-upon health management goal.

Providers should review these visualizations, checking that the data is accurate and that they don’t jump to unsupported clinical conclusions. Providers can then securely email this information, so patients can revisit the information when preparing for appointments.

 

Behavioral interventions

AI can help healthcare providers develop personalized educational messages and reminders that encourage patients to follow recommended care plans. For example, a patient battling vaping addiction could receive targeted messages about the harmful effects of vaping on their health and personalized reminders to attend support group meetings or counseling sessions. These interventions can help increase patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

 

Improving patient engagement

AI-powered patient education can help healthcare providers maintain communication with patients between appointments and remind patients of recommended next steps in their care. Moreover, HIPAA compliant emails can improve patient engagement, as they are based on patient-centered communication.

The National Library of Medicine describes patient-centered communication as, “A patient-centered approach to communication is to acknowledge the whole person, their personality, life history, and social structure in order to develop a shared understanding of the problem, the goals of treatment, and the barriers to that treatment and wellness.”

AI can help providers support patient-centered communication in their HIPAA compliant emails. For example, after an appointment, a provider could use AI to draft an email that summarizes self-management guidance for chronic illnesses like hypertension. Personalized follow-up may also help healthcare teams identify gaps in patient understanding. Like, if a patient has recurring questions about a prescribed medication, a provider could share additional educational material explaining its purpose and potential side effects. Additionally, if a patient with hypertension has not been consistently tracking their blood pressure readings, AI could prompt the provider to send resources on how to properly monitor and record their vitals at home. This can improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.

Go deeper: Expert high blood pressure management tips in HIPAA compliant emails

 

FAQs

Can AI improve personalized patient education?

Yes, providers can use AI to analyze patient data to generate customized educational materials, like articles, videos, or interactive modules, addressing specific health concerns and challenges.

 

Can AI be integrated into HIPAA compliant emails?

Yes, AI-powered features can be integrated with HIPAA compliant emailing platforms, like Paubox, to automate processes like patient consent management and sending personalized emails while maintaining HIPAA compliance.

 

Are there any limitations when using AI in HIPAA compliant emails?

Yes, healthcare providers must check that AI-powered features comply with HIPAA regulations and industry best practices for data security and privacy. Additionally, providers should evaluate the reliability of AI algorithms to avoid potential risks or compliance issues.

Read also: HIPAA compliant email API