As Singapore takes bold strides toward a future focused on preventive healthcare, AI training and integration stand out as critical enablers. Dr. Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, highlighted the potential applications of AI during the AI Health Summit on November 23. For instance, AI algorithms are suitable for analysing mammograms for breast cancer screening and detecting changes in the eyes of diabetes patients.
The transformative impact of AI in healthcare is anticipated to result in better diagnosis and treatment, early disease detection, prevention, prediction of diseases, and expedited drug development.
While acknowledging that the full realisation of AI’s potential may take some time, Dr. Puthucheary emphasised the immediate role of AI in enhancing clinical decision support, increasing healthcare team productivity, and supporting individuals in their journey toward preventive care. He expressed optimism that patients would become healthier residents in Singapore’s pursuit of a Healthier SG.
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Empowering Healthcare Professionals Through Tailored AI Training
Dr. Puthucheary emphasised the need for healthcare professionals to understand the potential benefits of AI training, as well as its limitations and ethical implications. He noted that successfully incorporating AI in healthcare heavily relies on the healthcare professionals who deliver these services.
To address this need, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between AI Singapore, the national program aimed at boosting AI capability, and SingHealth, Singapore’s largest group of healthcare institutions. This MOU outlines a strategic collaboration to provide AI training and qualifications tailored to healthcare professionals.
The education programs will commence in June next year, including a 10-part e-learning video series, physical classes, and workshops. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as AI ethics, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of AI integration in their field.
Strengthening Collaboration for Healthcare AI
A three-year collaboration between SingHealth and SGInnovate marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s healthcare AI journey. SGInnovate is an investment firm Funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Finance to focus on deep tech startups. SingHealth, on the other hand, comprises over 40 medical areas, including polyclinics and public hospitals, making it the country’s largest healthcare institution group.
At the MOU signing ceremony, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasised that the collaboration between SingHealth and SGInnovate aims to drive the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to improve diagnostics, treatment methods, healthcare delivery, and clinical outcomes to benefit Singaporeans. The collaboration envisions establishing “Communities of practice” that bring together healthcare experts and the deep tech community, including startups, corporates, and innovators.
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Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration
The partnership between SingHealth and SGInnovate goes beyond resources and opportunities for deep tech startups. It seeks to engage various stakeholders in the healthcare and technology sectors actively. Ong highlighted the establishment of communities of practice, which will organise knowledge-sharing events. These events will serve as a platform for gathering healthcare experts, clinicians, and the deep tech community, fostering collaboration and shaping mindsets towards integrating AI in health.
In addition to knowledge-sharing events, the collaboration aims to create skills through real-world apprenticeship opportunities. This involves calling upon venture capitalists and multinational companies to provide on-the-job AI training, contributing to developing innovation and enterprise capabilities within the local talent pool.
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Innovative Initiatives in Action
The collaborative effort between SingHealth and SGInnovate envisions a unique approach to innovation. Clinicians and healthcare professionals are expected to have the opportunity to present disease and clinical workflow requirements by engaging in activities such as reverse pitches.
Startups, in turn, can develop AI-powered tools to address these needs, with subsequent testing in a clinical setting. This approach ensures that innovations are rooted in real-world healthcare challenges, making them more likely to have a meaningful impact.
Singapore’s healthcare sector has already embraced various AI initiatives. As an illustration, a collaborative effort between Changi General Hospital and Integrated Health Information Systems resulted in the creation of a deep-learning system. This system is designed to assess chest X-rays automatically, estimating the probability of a patient developing severe pneumonia. This early intervention system allows doctors to intervene promptly.
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Preparing Healthcare Professionals for AI Integration
AI Singapore, with its director for AI Innovation, Laurence Liew, has played a pivotal role in developing AI training curricula over the past few years. This includes certification and apprenticeship programs, laying the groundwork for professionals entering the AI landscape. The collaboration with SingHealth signifies a concerted effort to ensure that AI professionals are not only well-trained but also adhere to the regulations specific to the healthcare sector.
Associate Professor Daniel Ting, Director of the AI Office at SingHealth, emphasised AI’s role in assisting healthcare professionals over the past decade. Notable examples include using AI algorithms on mammograms for breast cancer screening and aiding retinal surgeons in detecting changes in the eyes of diabetes patients.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Ethical Use of AI
While the benefits of AI in healthcare are evident, challenges and ethical considerations are inevitable. Associate Prof Ting highlighted the importance of understanding biases in AI models, emphasising the need to scrutinise how these models are built. Biases in AI algorithms can have far-reaching consequences, making it crucial to evaluate the suitability of AI products for specific populations.
Associate Prof Ting also stressed the significance of data protection in the context of AI in healthcare. As AI heavily relies on data, ensuring that data is protected, handled wisely, and safely becomes paramount. This consideration aligns with global efforts to establish robust data governance frameworks to safeguard sensitive healthcare information.
Mr. Liew explained that the curriculum developed in collaboration with SingHealth aims to raise awareness among doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals regarding safety and ethical concerns related to AI. Incorporating feedback mechanisms allows users to provide insights when an AI model is not performing optimally or requires retraining.
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Balancing Costs and Long-Term Benefits
Integrating AI in healthcare inevitably comes with costs, and Associate Prof Ting acknowledged the upfront expenses associated with adopting such technology. However, he emphasised the potential long-term benefits, especially in terms of preventing hospital admissions, ICU visits, and the development of disease-related complications. The investment in AI technology, when seen through the lens of long-term health outcomes, is envisioned to justify the initial costs over time.
The collaborative efforts between AI Singapore, SingHealth, and SGInnovate aim to drive innovation, enhance professional capabilities, and pave the way for a more preventive and effective healthcare system. As the healthcare industry moves forward, the successful integration of AI promises transformative changes, setting Singapore on the path to a healthier and more technologically advanced future.
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