In recent years, impact of artificial intelligence on the healthcare sector has become increasingly evident, leading to a profound transformation in hospitals, healthcare centers, and medical systems throughout Spain. From the automation of clinical tasks to the personalization of treatments, the advancement of AI has been at the center of healthcare modernization debates and strategies, occupying a leading role in specialized conferences and forums.
The recent publication of the report 'Health technology in the face of digitalization and artificial intelligence', presented at the 3rd Technology, Health and Society Forum—an initiative promoted by the Fenin Foundation and the Ortega-Marañón Foundation—has focused on the areas where AI is currently leaving the greatest impact and where the greatest evolution is expected in the coming years.
Main areas of artificial intelligence in current healthcare technology
According to experts and spokespersons for the institutions involved, the medical imaging, robotics, and mobile health They top the list of healthcare technologies with the greatest incorporation of artificial intelligence. These tools are allowing doctors and patients to access more precise, faster, and tailored services tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, even in areas with limited resources or difficult access to specialists.
AI-assisted medical imaging It's transforming diagnostic imaging: the automation of parameters such as radiation dose, resolution optimization, and improved image reconstruction have reduced the time required to obtain results and improved the quality of tests. This technological improvement has also streamlined workflows and allowed for earlier detection of complex pathologies.
In the field of surgical robotics, artificial intelligence It has boosted precision in interventions and contributed to improved intraoperative safety. The automation of certain tasks and the implementation of skills assessment systems during surgery allow for more efficient learning and more reliable results, helping both patients and medical teams.
Furthermore, the mobile health development—apps and connected devices— AI-powered technologies have opened the door to remote monitoring, facilitating everything from early diagnosis to individualized follow-up after surgery. Virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and personalized treatment plans are emerging as useful solutions in the face of growing demand and limited resources in the healthcare system.
The digitalization process: concrete examples and challenges to overcome
The report also analyzes the state of digitalization in healthcare, based on real-life cases from three hospital specialties: ICU, Cardiology, and Pathology. The integration of digital and AI technologies in these services has led to improved clinical indicators and more efficient management, although a gap persists. high variability in adoption of these solutions between autonomous communities.
To reduce this inequality, the importance of considering digital solutions as an essential part of the National Digital Health Strategy is highlighted, so that no center is left behind. Furthermore, the need to design specific training programs for both healthcare professionals and users, in order to prevent the digital divide from translating into a health gap.
One of the aspects that is of most concern is interoperability: the connection and compatibility between different platforms and systems remains limited in many settings, hampering data sharing and effective continuity of care.
Ethical, organizational, and legal challenges in the use of artificial intelligence
The integration of AI into healthcare technology is not without challenges. Among the main obstacles identified are: organizational —such as possible reluctance to change on the part of professionals and managers—, legal —related to the protection, privacy and storage of sensitive data—, the economic —difficulties in obtaining the necessary resources for its implementation and maintenance— and the technological —for interoperability and cybersecurity.
It is insisted that the incorporation of AI in health processes must be done under criteria of ethics, security and transparency, with multidisciplinary teams featuring both medical specialists and biomedical engineers. Only in this way, according to experts, can we take full advantage of the benefits of digitalization without compromising the trust of patients and professionals or the integrity of data. The infrastructure for artificial intelligence becomes a key aspect in this process.
The importance of protecting patients' rights, ensuring informed consent, privacy, and the security of health information, is also highlighted.
A collaborative approach for more personalized and equitable healthcare
The advancement of artificial intelligence in healthcare is driving more personalized, from prevention to treatment and follow-upCollaboration between different disciplines, continuous professional development, and user participation in healthcare decisions are key to harnessing the potential of these disruptive technologies.
Furthermore, the consolidation of initiatives such as the Interuniversity Chair of Technology, Health and Society It represents a firm commitment to promoting scientific rigor and multidisciplinary dialogue for the benefit of the healthcare system and society.
The use of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, robotics, and mobile health continues to shape the present and future of healthcare technologies. The inclusion of these tools, along with ethics, training, and active collaboration, will allow us to move toward more efficient, personalized, and sustainable healthcare, capable of responding to both current needs and future challenges.
