Cardiovascular care has seen remarkable advancements over the decades, from innovative surgical techniques to cutting-edge pharmaceuticals. Yet, challenges remain. Despite these strides, treatment pathways are often plagued by inefficiencies, administrative burdens and even care disparities. As we look toward the future, AI offers a promising solution to not only streamlining cardiovascular care but, more importantly, enhancing patient outcomes. To delve deeper into this transformative potential, we had a conversation with Ami Bhatt, MD, FACC, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
AI and the ACC: A Glimpse Into the Conversation
When discussing AI’s role within the ACC, Dr. Bhatt highlighted the real concerns and inquiries of its members. One significant area of focus is the overwhelming administrative burden that clinicians face today. “Our members are really thinking a lot about the administrative burdens associated with practice,” Dr. Bhatt shared. The question that looms large is how AI can alleviate these burdens, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time with their patients rather than being bogged down by paperwork and red tape.
For many ACC members, the priority is practical implementation – how to integrate AI into their workflows efficiently, affordably and in a way that enhances patient care. The discussions go beyond theoretical applications, as Dr. Bhatt noted, “They’re not asking for theoretics..Can you help me figure out how to do it in a way where people will use it and it will be cost-effective and ideally help my patients?”
The Importance of AI Education: Preparing Clinicians for the Future
With AI rapidly evolving, Dr. Bhatt emphasized the need for education and preparedness. Interestingly, the ACC began discussing AI’s implications in medicine seven years ago. However, as Dr. Bhatt pointed out, the swift rise of generative AI made it feel like they were suddenly playing catch-up. This realization led to the creation of the AI Enabled Clinician Resource Center, which serves as a hub for clinicians to learn about AI’s practical application in medicine.
Surveys conducted by the AC revealed a disparity between the availability of AI tools and the comfort level of clinicians using them. To bridge this gap, Dr. Bhatt is committed to ensuring that clinicians not only have access to AI tools but also understand how to leverage them effectively. “We have to decide where we’re using AI, how we’re going to use it, where we should use it first,” she explained. This strategic approach ensures that AI is implemented where it can have the most impact, both in terms of efficiency and patient care.
Continuously Educating on AI: A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Education doesn’t stop at the basics. The ACC is committed to providing ongoing resources to keep clinicians informed about the latest developments in AI. “We at the ACC actually call it the AI Enabled Clinician,” Dr. Bhatt shared. Through the ACC’s Resource Center, clinicians can access podcasts, research summaries and educational tools that break down the complexities of AI into manageable, understandable pieces.
This continuous education is vital for creating a feedback loop between clinicians and technology developers. As Dr. Bhatt told us, the more comfortable clinicians are with AI, the more meaningful feedback they can provide to further improve these technologies.
“Education of the clinician is essential if we’re going to be effective,” she emphasized.
Cardiology and AI Governance: Ensuring Ethical and Inclusive AI
In cardiology, like many other fields, the integration of AI is about more than just technology – it’s about governance, ethics and inclusivity. Dr. Bhatt stressed the importance of collaborative intelligence over artificial intelligence, stating that the latter term can carry negative connotations. “Artifice means deceit. You know, telling someone it’s deceitful intelligence doesn’t help us gain trust,” she said.
AI governance in cardiology must also address potential biases in data and ensure that all populations are fairly represented. Dr. Bhatt highlighted the need for inclusivity, particularly in population health, where AI can play a crucial role in identifying at-risk groups and preventing cardiovascular disease. “Population health is the area where I think we can make the biggest difference by helping identify early and educating,” she explained.
Moreover, the evolving regulatory environment is another critical factor for AI governance. Dr. Bhatt pointed out that institutions must establish their own guardrails to ensure the responsible development and use of AI. This includes not only implementing AI but also measuring its consequences and making necessary adjustments quickly.
Embracing the Future of Cardiovascular Care With AI
AI holds the potential to transform cardiovascular care, from reducing administrative burdens to enhancing clinical decision-making. However, realizing this potential requires collaboration, continuous education and ethical governance. As Dr. Bhatt and the ACC lead the charge in integrating AI into cardiology, the future of cardiovascular care looks bright.
To explore these insights further, watch our “Lessons From the Inside” videos featuring Dr. Bhatt. Dive deeper into the discussions on AI, its implementation and its future in cardiovascular care.
