Definition: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a machine-based system that, for a given set of objectives, can make recommendations, predictions, and decisions.1 Additionally, the advanced logic behind AI allows it to comprehend language, reason, learn, and adapt. AI systems can accept inputs from human and machine alike to perceive both physical and virtual environments.1 AI systems are able to draw on these inputs to develop models that they use to make inferences and draw logical conclusions. These abilities have been traditionally associated with only a human level of intelligence.2
The most common type of AI currently in use is artificial narrow intelligence.3 This refers to systems designed to perform specific tasks, such as image recognition or language processing. Siri and IBM’s Watson are examples.3 These AI have limited memory, meaning they have some capacity to learn from past experiences and draw on those experiences to make decisions.
AI in health care is ever evolving with numerous avenues to improve health care delivery, including diagnostics, drug discovery, and documentation.2
How it relates to quality-based care:
AI has the ability to optimize, and this ability can be used to further the goals of quality-based care, leading to better and more affordable care. Here are some examples of how AI can be used for quality-based care tasks:
- Predictive modeling: Identifies patients at high risk of hospitalization, allowing for targeted interventions to prevent admission or readmission.
- Population health analytics: Analyzes data from the ACO's patient population to identify trends, risk factors, and opportunities for improvement in medication use and care coordination.
- Performance measuring and reporting: AI can track and report on quality metrics, helping the ACO demonstrate value and maximize reimbursement.
Involved organizations/oversight:
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): A private accreditation agency for health care organizations. While NCQA supports advances in technology, they also have guidelines in place to promote the responsible use of AI in health care.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST has a comprehensive framework of risk management strategies involving the implementation of AI.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA has proposed regulatory frameworks for the use of AI and machine learning in medical devices.
Resources:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Software as a Medical Device – FDA. Available at: www.fda.gov/medical-devices/software-medical-device-samd/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-software-medical-device. Accessed February 4, 2025.
- What is (AI) Artificial Intelligence? | Online Master of Engineering. Available at: https://meng.uic.edu/news-stories/ai-artificial-intelligence-what-is-the-definition-of-ai-and-how-does-ai-work/ . Accessed January 27, 2025.
- Understanding the different types of artificial intelligence – IBM. Available at: www.ibm.com/think/topics/artificial-intelligence-types. Accessed January 27, 2025.
Contributing authors:
Christian Diamond, PharmD candidate 2025
Thomas Jefferson University College of Pharmacy
Jeffrey Gonzales, PharmD, MS, BCPS, CDCES, PED-C, HF-Cert, DPLA
Ambulatory Care and Population Health Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic
Darren Mensch, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
Clinical Pharmacist, Ambulatory Care—Population Health
Jefferson Health–Abington