SUS Digital: Can the use of artificial intelligence improve public health?

The Ministry of Health is working on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the Unified Health System to improve care, streamline processes and expand care to areas where physical access is difficult.

For the folder, The application of artificial intelligence is a breakthrough in terms of health in the countryhowever, there are still many challenges in integrating this technology into healthcare in a way that ensures safety for patients and professionals.

The current scenario of public health in Brazil

As a continental country, Brazil has several sociodemographic differences. Income distribution, access to health services and other demands may be very inadequate in different regions.

Access to healthcare in the Amazon region, for example, is a challenge. Many communities are only accessible by water, making it a barrier to patient follow-up.

Diseases that can be treated without harming can become chronic due to the inability to provide fast and safe care, leading to fatal results. In addition to the isolated areas There are cultural and financial barriers to people getting prompt and effective care..

Queues, shortages of specialists, hours of service and other barriers are put in front of the public, delaying diagnosis and procedures, and ensuring quality and dignity in access to healthcare.

Given that the four principles of SUS include: universalization, equality, integrity and decentralization, we see that there is still a long way to go in order to ensure these pillars, fostering public participation.

Dream or Utopia? Challenges of implementing artificial intelligence

So could AI be a good ally for improving, expanding and securing healthcare?

The Health and Digital Information Secretariat (SEIDIG), created in January 2023, is examining the application of artificial intelligence as a support tool to improve health access, tracking and monitoring in the country.

In front of Secretary Ana Estela Haddad, He predicts that AI could help reduce queues by performing screenings for referral in addition to active monitoring of patients with different types of comorbidities..

But given that Brazil is unequal, will the population have enough technology to enter this digital space? In addition, how will the data privacy and security rights of users and professionals be guaranteed?

To solve some of these issues, processing PL (invoice): 2338 dated 2023, written by Senator Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD/MG), who led the use of Artificial Intelligence in Brazil.

AI regulation is essential for safe execution; this encourages the use of technology as a tool, building trust for users on both sides, whether patients or professionals.

According to the PL text, Tools should also be provided for AI to be an equity generating factor.Encourage further widening of the gap between population and access to health, rather than emphasizing class differences.

Another challenge in implementing this technology is professional training. No matter how good the tool is, it can never be used properly unless those who use it are trained in it.

For these and other challenges government says it is in no hurry to implement AI in SUSrather, it wants to lay a good foundation so that when the day comes, we will be ready to use it in the best way, to progress and develop.

Possible benefits of AI in SUS

The use of algorithms to track cases, predict injuries, and even recognize and diagnose certain diseases is already widely researched and used in other countries.

In our health system AI could help screen cases, monitor women with diabetes, high blood pressure, and even pregnant and postpartum women. In clinical exams, artificial intelligence has proven to be highly effective in tracking abnormalities in laboratory tests, whether it’s blood or genetic research.

Its use in intensive care units will be to monitor and predict risk factors and probability of harm. Obviously, all artificial intelligence processes such as diagnosis, prediction, databases and so on will be under human control..

Since each region of our country has features that need to be evaluated separately, the learning of artificial intelligence according to its application area is also a matter of concern for researchers.

AI can be A robust tool for all healthcare levels in SUS. In primary care, for example, it will affect the speed with which appointments with specialists are scheduled. But he It does not replace the manpower of professionals in this field.

Therefore, it is extremely important that the government encourages its professionals to train, maintain and improve their knowledge. This will not only maintain the quality of our free healthcare, but will also have a significant impact on ensuring that the principles of SUS are respected. improving the lives of our population as a whole.

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