Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 3(2):38-41, 2024

ROJPHM ISSN ONLINE: 1115-9715

https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2024/323841

The Use of AI in Predicting Patient Outcomes

Nyambura Achieng M.
School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary tool in healthcare, significantly improving the
ability to predict patient outcomes. From chronic disease management to personalized treatments, AI can
analyze vast datasets and provide timely, accurate predictions that guide clinical decision-making.
Traditional statistical models have been useful but often limited in handling complex data relationships.
AI, through machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), transcends these limitations, offering
improved predictions across diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. This paper investigates
current AI methods, advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with its use in
healthcare, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in outcome prediction while addressing
concerns around data privacy, regulatory constraints, and model transparency.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Patient Outcomes, Clinical Decision Support
Systems, Predictive Analytics.
INTRODUCTION
AI is a powerful tool in healthcare for analyzing data and predicting outcomes. It can help personalize
treatments for patients with varying responses, particularly with diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and
HIV/AIDS. AI can also detect gradual deterioration in chronic diseases that may be missed by traditional
methods. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent exacerbation and costly hospitalization. Electronic
medical records have been used to develop prediction algorithms for various diseases [1]. The healthcare
domain generates significant predictive information from vast amounts of data. Before the resurgence of
interest in machine learning methods, patient outcome prediction relied on simplistic models. Research in
the biomedical domain has been fueled by increasing volumes of patient healthcare databases. Predictive
tools can minimize costs by assisting decision-making in treatment strategies and immediate intervention.
However, accurate and robust predictions are challenging due to high dimensionality, non-linearity, and a
small number of observations. [2].
CURRENT METHODS OF PREDICTING PATIENT OUTCOMES
In recent years, with the rapid growth of healthcare data, there has been significant interest in research
on developing systems or methods that can automatically predict patient outcomes or diseases based on
this plethora of data. Various traditional statistical models have been in use for a long time to involve the
prediction of events. Over the years, the development of various clinical decision support systems has also
seen a steep rise in research to help doctors and care providers with prescriptions and diagnoses and
reduce human errors in the processes [3]. Various statistical models have been developed to predict
patient outcomes, including Cox's proportional hazard model, accelerated failure model, K-nearest
neighbors, Naive Bayes classifier, and linear regression model. However, these models have limitations in
modeling the relationship between a patient's covariates and survival time. Machine learning techniques
for predicting outcomes based on clinical data are still an open area of research. The absence of clinical
decision support systems hinders the effective prediction of patient outcomes related to heart rates. To

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
address these limitations, a new intelligent system that uses rules and heart rates for patient needs
prediction has been developed and tested in a hospital setting [4].
TRADITIONAL STATISTICAL MODELS
Statistical models are commonly used in healthcare to predict patient outcomes. Tools like logistic
regression, Cox proportional hazards models, and generalized estimating equations are utilized for this
purpose. These models use statistical approaches to predict clinical outcomes based on a set of
independent parameters, including demographic, laboratory, and physiological data. However, they have Page | 39
limitations such as linearity assumptions, inability to account for complex interactions, and analysis of
only one specific endpoint. Logistic regression, for example, was developed to examine mortality in
patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. It has been widely used in various fields, including
medicine, to analyze binary events and predict outcomes such as mortality after surgical operations, 7-day
readmissions, and length of stays [5]. Cox proportional hazard models are widely used in survival
analysis. These models represent the hazard rate as the product of a baseline hazard and a function of
covariates. The advantage of the Cox model is that it does not require knowledge of the baseline hazard.
The model estimates coefficients and removes the baseline hazard from the analysis. Robust standard
errors make the model more robust to violations of the proportional hazard assumption. Generalized
estimating equations are used to estimate the parameters of marginal models or population-averaged
models. These procedures are widely applicable in various types of studies [6].
CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) assist healthcare professionals in making medical decisions by
integrating a patient's clinical data and medical knowledge base. They provide evidence-based
recommendations at the point of care, improving care decisions. CDSS can include alerts, reminders, and
analysis of patient-specific data to enhance diagnoses, treatment plans, and understanding of medication
benefits and risks. Basic CDSS uses rule-based systems, while advanced systems utilize natural language
processing to detect drug-disease interactions. Predicting patient outcomes and designing interventions is
done separately using statistical or machine learning techniques. CDSS applies these techniques to predict
outcomes or optimize treatment [7]. Improving CDSS prediction of patient outcomes and interventions
can improve care quality. CDSS implementation is hindered by limitations, including reliance on manual
rules and input data dependency. Alert fatigue is common due to high volumes of alerts. AI technologies
have advanced in the past decade, enabling the processing of healthcare data with speed and accuracy. In
CDSS, AI can analyze large volumes of data and detect complex patterns. This allows CDSS to
continuously learn and improve predictive capabilities [8].
ADVANTAGES OF USING AI IN PREDICTING PATIENT OUTCOMES
AI algorithms, such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), have gained widespread
adoption in the healthcare industry due to their ability to accurately predict patient outcomes. In doing
so, these algorithms greatly enhance decision-making processes by carefully analyzing intricate and
intricate datasets, effectively optimizing the allocation of valuable resources. Notably, the implementation
of AI algorithms transcends the limitations of human analysis, resulting in significantly improved patient
care and ultimately leading to better overall healthcare outcomes. Through their unparalleled capabilities,
these advanced algorithms are revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, empowering medical
professionals to provide exceptional care and ensuring the well-being of patients [9]. Virtual predictive
assistants can save time for clinicians by performing complex calculations. They provide instantaneous
prediction output, unlike using regression coefficients. AI algorithms also eliminate limitations caused by
human capital, such as staff absence. In terms of equitable care, independent algorithms can prevent
discriminatory practices and improve access for vulnerable populations. Implementing AI algorithms can
enhance the quality, effectiveness, and equity of care. Interspecialty collaborations can prevent parallel
realities and improve care quality [10].
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
Artificial intelligence in healthcare faces limitations due to complex and diverse patient datasets. Deriving
meaningful insights is challenging without extensive preprocessing. Regulatory conditions also
complicate AI system development. Dealing with unstructured text data requires advanced natural
language processing techniques. Medical data's sensitivity requires robust privacy measures. Overcoming
these challenges is crucial for unlocking AI's potential in patient care. Efforts should focus on handling
dataset heterogeneity and regulatory constraints, enhancing AI algorithms for unstructured text data,
and protecting patient privacy. AI can revolutionize patient care by assisting in disease diagnosis,
outcome prediction, and treatment discovery. However, data requirements, dataset heterogeneity, and
regulations impose limitations that must be overcome for AI's full potential to be realized [11]. The

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
black-box nature of AI systems is a philosophical concern. Current neural networks are poorly
understood, leading to bias and discriminative input parameters. Ensuring trustworthiness requires
addressing these concerns. Applying ontology and systems theory to AI in healthcare is crucial. The
ethical concern of 'disengagement' in decision-making must be addressed. A safe virtual platform could
enable rigorous experimentation. Synthetic programming language and neural-gas algorithm must be
used. Overcoming hurdles is necessary for full adoption of AI in healthcare. Length: 614 symbols [12].
FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Page | 40
As healthcare organizations integrate AI and machine learning, exploring their potential contributions to
predicting patient outcomes is crucial. Opportunities to enhance healthcare services and address existing
challenges include ensuring efficacy and reliability, fostering system interoperability, user engagement,
knowledge dissemination, and value transparency. However, rapid advancements may bring concerns
such as knowledge gaps, social gaps, job redundancy, data security, public unawareness, accountability,
regulatory uncertainty, model unjustness, invasive possibilities, and misunderstanding of AI's capabilities.
Mitigating challenges while leveraging opportunities is key. For instance, addressing model efficacy
through user engagement, local research investment, data resource establishment, and system
interoperability is crucial. Bridging the knowledge gap through automatic knowledge dissemination can
cultivate public awareness. Publicizing model limitations and encouraging model adjunctive use can
mitigate unreasonable expectations and enhance human productivity [13]. Since the opportunity involves
capital-intensive investments, ensuring the transparency of costs and presently provided services is
critical to prevent widening the healthcare accessibility gap between developing and developed countries.
At the same time, public investment should be considered, accompanied by thorough regulation to
facilitate industry competition and the establishment of frameworks that help reduce reliance on
proprietary systems. As for data-related concerns, a public data-sharing consortium could be set up under
strict regulation to alleviate privacy and malfeasance concerns [14].
CONCLUSION
AI holds immense potential in transforming healthcare, particularly in predicting patient outcomes with
greater accuracy and speed. By leveraging AI algorithms, healthcare professionals can make more
informed decisions, enhance patient care, and allocate resources more efficiently. However, to fully realize
AI’s benefits, challenges such as data privacy, model transparency, and regulatory issues must be
addressed. Future research should focus on improving AI’s ethical and operational frameworks, ensuring
equitable access, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize the utility of AI in healthcare
systems worldwide.
REFERENCES
1. Johnson KB, Wei WQ, Weeraratne D, Frisse ME, Misulis K, Rhee K, Zhao J, Snowdon JL.
Precision medicine, AI, and the future of personalized health care. Clinical and translational
science. 2021 Jan;14(1):86-93. wiley.com
2. Adlung L, Cohen Y, Mor U, Elinav E. Machine learning in clinical decision making. Med. 2021
Jun 11;2(6):642-65.
3. Krishnamoorthi R, Joshi S, Almarzouki HZ, Shukla PK, Rizwan A, Kalpana C, Tiwari B.
[Retracted] A Novel Diabetes Healthcare Disease Prediction Framework Using Machine
Learning Techniques. Journal of healthcare engineering. 2022;2022(1):1684017. wiley.com
4. Elfanagely O, Toyoda Y, Othman S, Mellia JA, Basta M, Liu T, Kording K, Ungar L, Fischer JP.
Machine learning and surgical outcomes prediction: a systematic review. Journal of Surgical
Research. 2021 Aug 1; 264:346-61.
5. Navarro CL, Damen JA, Takada T, Nijman SW, Dhiman P, Ma J, Collins GS, Bajpai R, Riley
RD, Moons KG, Hooft L. Risk of bias in studies on prediction models developed using
supervised machine learning techniques: systematic review. bmj. 2021 Oct 20;375.
6. Lánczky A, Győrffy B. Web-based survival analysis tool tailored for medical research (KMplot):
development and implementation. Journal of medical Internet research. 2021 Jul 26;23(7):
e27633.
7. Elhaddad M, Hamam S. AI-Driven clinical decision support systems: an ongoing pursuit of
potential. Cureus. 2024 Apr;16(4).
8. Lee D, Yoon SN. Application of artificial intelligence-based technologies in the healthcare
industry: Opportunities and challenges. International journal of environmental research and
public health. 2021 Jan;18(1):271.
9. Shiwlani A, Khan M, Sherani AM, Qayyum MU, Hussain HK. REVOLUTIONIZING
HEALTHCARE: THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON PATIENT CARE,

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT. JURIHUM: Jurnal Inovasi dan Humaniora. 2024 Feb
28;1(5):779-90. jurnalmahasiswa.com
10. Cerrato P, Halamka J, Pencina M. A proposal for developing a platform that evaluates
algorithmic equity and accuracy. BMJ Health & Care Informatics. 2022;29(1).
11. Iqbal MJ, Javed Z, Sadia H, Qureshi IA, Irshad A, Ahmed R, Malik K, Raza S, Abbas A, Pezzani
R, Sharifi-Rad J. Clinical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cancer
diagnosis: looking into the future. Cancer cell international. 2021 May 21;21(1):270. Page | 41
12. Mukhoti J, Kirsch A, van Amersfoort J, Torr PH, Gal Y. Deep deterministic uncertainty: A
simple baseline. arXiv preprint arXiv:2102.11582. 2021 Feb 23.
13. Amann J, Blasimme A, Vayena E, Frey D, Madai VI, Precise4Q Consortium. Explainability for
artificial intelligence in healthcare: a multidisciplinary perspective. BMC medical informatics and
decision making. 2020 Dec; 20:1-9. springer.com
14. Shen AK, Hughes IV R, DeWald E, Rosenbaum S, Pisani A, Orenstein W. Ensuring Equitable
Access To COVID-19 Vaccines in The US: Current System Challenges And Opportunities:
Analysis examines ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Health Affairs. 2021 Jan
1;40(1):62-9.

CITATION: Nyambura Achieng M. (2024). The Use of AI in Predicting Patient

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.