MEDICAL

FARRER PARK HOSPITAL

Farrer Park Hospital ( FPH ) continues to harness the power of artificial intelligence ( AI ) in healthcare to move the field of diagnosis forward , enhancing accuracy and treatment outcomes . This is even more relevant than before as Singapore ’ s general population ages and there is a higher demand for healthcare services . AI can assist healthcare professionals by processing and interpreting medical images , such as X-rays , CT scans , and MRIs , to detect abnormalities or signs of diseases . It helps in early detection and timely intervention , leading to better informed personalised treatment decisions , outcomes , and improved quality of life for patients ’ postoperative recovery .

“ It also enables patients to recover more quickly and return to their normal daily activities , including work , reducing the risk of economic burden caused by the loss of income due to advanced stages of the disease , longterm complications , or disability ,” said Dr Timothy Low , CEO of Farrer Park Hospital .

This may positively impact a patient ’ s quality of life .

FPH added an AI-assisted screening tool for more accurate polyp detection in their colonoscopy procedures . Every frame captured during the colonoscopy will be assessed and processed using AI technology that can immediately alert doctors performing the procedure if polyps and lesions are detected . Studies have shown that higher polyp detection rates protect patients more effectively from colorectal cancer .

The hospital piloted the service

Dr Ravi Shrestha & Dr Timothy Low

as a trial on March 1 , 2022 , in conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month . This officially concluded on April 30 , 2022 , and saw 360 colonoscopies successfully conducted by the hospital ’ s practicing Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons . FPH introduced the service on May 1 , 2022 , and since then , the number of gastroenterology screenings has increased .

FPH completed the trial of an AI-supported MRI screening tool for dementia at its diagnostic imaging center at the end of 2022 . Traditional diagnosis for dementia involves combining the data from several components , including medical examination , memory assessment tests , mental ability tests , laboratory results , and MRI brain scans . Using an AI-supported MRI brain volumetric software tool , the scan report quantifies brain tissue volume and compares it to standard norms based on age , gender , and cranial volume . With these tools , patients receive more succinct clinical follow-up and assessment results . It also guides the patient and their caregivers to make significant lifestyle changes to slow brain degeneration .

“ A key benefit from the service is that it can alleviate the burden on caregivers who provide support and assistance to dementia patients , which means less intensive care and support from their caregivers . This can result in decreased caregiver stress , fewer caregiving responsibilities , and a reduced need for additional professional caregiving services , which can be costly ,” he added .

Integrating AI in healthcare diagnosis at FPH changes patient care experience and how our healthcare professionals approach treatments today . AI offers more accurate diagnoses , expedites treatment initiation , and , more importantly , enhances personalised treatment plans for patients . As a result , FPH has plans to explore further deployment of AI for diagnostic purposes to advance its patient care quality .

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