Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a pivotal tool in the healthcare sector worldwide, and Croatia is no exception. From aiding in early disease detection to streamlining administrative tasks, AI is reshaping how medical professionals operate, ultimately improving patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare services.
One of the most significant applications of AI in Croatian healthcare is in the field of diagnostics. Early and precise diagnosis is critical for the successful treatment of many diseases, particularly in oncology. Croatian medical institutions are integrating AI technologies to enhance their diagnostic capabilities, with notable advancements in endoscopic procedures and radiology.
AI-enhanced diagnostics: a leap forward
In the realm of endoscopy, for instance, AI is being used to assist doctors in detecting even the smallest polyps during colonoscopies. Systems like the Fujinon CAD EYE, now employed in specialized hospitals like Medico, use AI to analyze and classify polyps in real time, distinguishing between benign and potentially malignant growths. This technology not only increases the detection rate of dangerous lesions but also speeds up the diagnostic process, enabling timely treatment and significantly improving patient outcomes.
Similarly, in the battle against cancer, AI is playing a crucial role. Croatia, which has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the European Union, is now leveraging AI to reduce these numbers. The Radiochirurgia Zagreb, in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers, has become a reference center for the use of AI in radiotherapy and radiology. AI systems here help in identifying and measuring tumors with remarkable accuracy, even at early stages, which is crucial for successful treatment.
Streamlining administrative and diagnostic processes
Beyond improving diagnostic accuracy, AI is also making healthcare more efficient by automating routine tasks that would otherwise consume valuable time. For example, speech-to-text programs are being used in Zagreb’s health centers to transcribe medical dictations, freeing up radiologists to focus more on patient care rather than administrative duties. This not only speeds up the process of report generation but also increases the availability of medical professionals for patient consultations.
Another innovative use of AI in Croatian healthcare is seen in the deployment of digital assistants like “Megi” in cardiovascular care. These AI-driven tools monitor patients’ vital statistics, ensuring adherence to treatment plans and alerting them and their doctors to any significant changes in their health status. This continuous monitoring is particularly valuable in managing chronic conditions, where consistent follow-up is essential for effective treatment.
AI in remote and preventive healthcare
AI’s benefits extend to remote healthcare as well. Devices like the MESI tablet, used in home visits by healthcare providers in Zagreb, are transforming patient care for those who are unable to visit hospitals. These portable devices allow for real-time monitoring of vital signs and immediate sharing of results with multiple healthcare providers, facilitating quicker and more coordinated care.
Furthermore, AI is being used to advance preventive healthcare. A noteworthy example is the SENDD project, which focuses on the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants. This innovative project, a collaboration between the TIS Group and a one of leading polyclinics, is a pioneering Croatian AI application specifically designed for monitoring the health of newborns, particularly those between two to three months old. By analyzing videos of infants’ movements through AI, this system can identify potential developmental issues much earlier than traditional methods, enabling early intervention and improving long-term outcomes.
The future of AI in Croatian healthcare
Another significant initiative is AI4Health.Cro, a non-profit public-private consortium that views AI as essential for advancing healthcare. Coordinated by the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB), this consortium has brought together 15 partners and is funded with €2.9 million under the Digital Europe program and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Over the next three years, AI4Health.Cro aims to revolutionize healthcare in Croatia.
The AI4Health.Cro project is structured to provide startups and small to medium enterprises with the resources they need to develop and test AI technologies safely. This includes access to a ‘one-stop-shop’ for services such as pre-investment testing, support in accessing investments, and a robust innovation ecosystem. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of education and skill development, ensuring that Croatia’s healthcare workforce is well-prepared for the AI-driven future.
While AI offers tremendous benefits, it is essential to recognize that it is a tool to support, not replace, healthcare professionals. The integration of AI in healthcare is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of doctors, allowing them to provide better care rather than making them obsolete. AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may be missed by the human eye, but the final decision-making and patient care will always require the expertise and empathy of trained medical professionals.
As Croatia continues to embrace AI in its healthcare system, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that the human element of medicine is preserved. With continued investment in AI technologies and training for healthcare providers, the future of Croatian healthcare looks promising, with the potential to set new standards in medical excellence and patient care.
Initiatives like SENDD and AI4Health.Cro demonstrate Croatia’s commitment to harnessing AI for healthcare, paving the way for innovations that not only benefit Croatian patients but also set benchmarks for the global healthcare community.
