Functional Areas of Artificial Intelligence Use in Public Health: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diverse domains of public health has heralded a paradigm shift, redefining our approach to complex challenges. Originating from decision support technologies, knowledge-based systems, and expert systems, AI has become a cornerstone in addressing challenges within medical care delivery and quality improvement. This research explores the role of AI-supported applications in public health, offering efficiencies in public health functions.
Methods: Using a narrative review protocol, we searched the PubMed database, employing the keywords "Artificial Intelligence" and "Public Health." This initial search yielded 4,697 titles, from which we meticulously screened and identified seven key areas of AI application in public health, excluding the use of AI in medicine for diagnostic support, disease management, and robotic surgery. Subsequently, the focus of the review was narrowed down to these seven areas to refine the study's scope. The second search yielded 803 articles in total. After deduplication of these articles, the titles and abstracts of 674 were screened for initial inclusion in the review, and the full texts of 359 selected articles were assessed in the final phase.
Results: The paper explores significant dimensions of AI in public health, covering efficient disease surveillance, data modernization, addressing social determinants of health, healthcare management and optimization, personalized care, environmental health, and telehealth. Each of these areas underscores the multifaceted contributions of AI in reshaping public health practices.
Discussion: The public health practice paradigm shift to Public Health 3.0 has elevated the standards of performance for public health agencies, with pressures to do more with less in the face of shrinking budgets and rising public health threats. By examining the current landscape, we seek to offer insights into how AI-driven support for administration and service delivery can augment our capacity to address public health challenges with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
Keywords
artificial intelligence, public health, narrative review, public health challenges
Functional Areas of Artificial Intelligence Use in Public Health: A Narrative Review
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diverse domains of public health has heralded a paradigm shift, redefining our approach to complex challenges. Originating from decision support technologies, knowledge-based systems, and expert systems, AI has become a cornerstone in addressing challenges within medical care delivery and quality improvement. This research explores the role of AI-supported applications in public health, offering efficiencies in public health functions.
Methods: Using a narrative review protocol, we searched the PubMed database, employing the keywords "Artificial Intelligence" and "Public Health." This initial search yielded 4,697 titles, from which we meticulously screened and identified seven key areas of AI application in public health, excluding the use of AI in medicine for diagnostic support, disease management, and robotic surgery. Subsequently, the focus of the review was narrowed down to these seven areas to refine the study's scope. The second search yielded 803 articles in total. After deduplication of these articles, the titles and abstracts of 674 were screened for initial inclusion in the review, and the full texts of 359 selected articles were assessed in the final phase.
Results: The paper explores significant dimensions of AI in public health, covering efficient disease surveillance, data modernization, addressing social determinants of health, healthcare management and optimization, personalized care, environmental health, and telehealth. Each of these areas underscores the multifaceted contributions of AI in reshaping public health practices.
Discussion: The public health practice paradigm shift to Public Health 3.0 has elevated the standards of performance for public health agencies, with pressures to do more with less in the face of shrinking budgets and rising public health threats. By examining the current landscape, we seek to offer insights into how AI-driven support for administration and service delivery can augment our capacity to address public health challenges with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
