Artificial Intelligence (AI) in College Health

The use of AI in college health is a new and evolving field that has the ability play a significant role in various aspects of student well-being. Current use of AI in healthcare has been used to improve delivery of care by enabling virtual consultations and remote monitoring (Yousef, 2021). AI continues to evolve in healthcare and is projected to impact patient care, diagnosis and treatment. Here are some ways AI is being utilized in college health today. 

Mental Health

AI technology allows the capability to analyze and process language, sentiment and interactions in order to identify signs of distress, anxiety and depression. The data compiled from these analyses can provide mental health support through personalized interventions, resources and support (Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, 2024). AI could provide other mental health resources such as personalized stress management techniques, time management  strategies and even recommendations for professional counseling services, just to name a few. 

Health Monitoring

AI algorithms integrated with wearable devices and health apps have allowed for monitoring of different health biometrics. These include but are not limited to: sleep monitoring, heart rate monitoring, diabetes management (glucose levels) and asthma and COPD management. This data tracked over time can help manage as well as identify potential health issues early on. Early detection can alert healthcare providers to act promptly and intervene at the earliest stage, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced hospitalization rates (Tenovi, 2023). 

Health Education

AI can be utilized to advance and personalize health education and training. Currently at Michigan State University (MSU) (2024) they are creating a 24-hour virtual assistant chatbot. The chatbot assists with answering questions and provides instant feedback.

Jackson College is also on the cutting edge of the use of AI in health education as a recent generous grant has allowed for the development of a world-class medical simulation center that is due to break ground in 2024. This simulation center is predicted to use AI through an immersive learning experience and educate tomorrow’s healthcare professions in real-life scenarios. This environment provides a risk-free approach to the valuable hands-on experience that healthcare providers need when entering practice. 

Conclusion

AI in healthcare is predicted to continue to evolve and grow. Use of AI in educational institutions will augment education and training. Within the healthcare industry, AI will enhance accessibility, effectiveness and health outcomes. With growth it is essential to ensure that these AI technologies are implemented ethically and with proper consideration for privacy and confidentiality. 

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