Artificial Intelligence Enhances Healthcare Practice and Patient Care in Fiji

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat patients. At the 31st Fiji College of General Practitioners (FCGP) conference in Nadi, Dr Dhirendra Lal highlighted how AI tools are starting to support clinical decisions, improve patient engagement, and streamline daily practice.

He emphasized that this conference created a space to discuss these new technologies, their ethical concerns, and practical effects, ensuring they support the essential human element of healthcare.

The Growing Role of AI in Clinical Practice

Healthcare practitioners need to learn how to integrate AI tools into their workflows effectively. These tools can assist in managing challenges such as HIV, drug-related issues, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and environmental impacts on health.

For Fiji, NCDs are a critical concern, as general practitioners regularly treat illnesses related to these conditions. AI can help manage this growing patient demand by offering support in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

Ensuring Safe and Ethical Use

Along with embracing AI, healthcare workers must remain vigilant about safety and ethics. Digital platforms bring challenges that require careful oversight to protect patient well-being and data privacy.

By combining AI's capabilities with professional judgment, practitioners can improve care without losing the personal connection vital to effective treatment.

Further Learning

Healthcare professionals interested in incorporating AI into their practice can explore specialized training to understand these tools better. Resources like Complete AI Training’s healthcare-related courses offer practical guidance on applying AI in clinical settings.