Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology: A Beginner’s Guide (2024 AMW)

With its potential to reduce cost while improving quality and access, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a major role in shaping the future of health care. AI is impacting otolaryngology practice in profound ways, from changing how we interact with electronic health records to augmenting our abilities in the operating room. The widespread availability of the electronic medical record (EMR), digital imaging and cloud-based computing is accelerating this trend because of the abundant data these systems generate. This instructional session will introduce the core concepts and key terminology of AI with a focus on available AI-based tools that can be readily deployed in clinical practice. The importance of high-quality clinical data collection to develop robust predictive algorithms will be emphasized. This session will delve into the sub-fields of AI, machine learning and natural language processing, providing insights into cutting edge tools including deep learning and generative AI. Exploring the future of AI, the session will highlight its potential to advance personalized care in otolaryngology. Additionally, it will address technological, cultural, and ethical challenges associated with the clinical implementation of AI. This session aims to provide a nuanced understanding of AI, enabling participants to discern the reality of AI from the abundant hype. Recognizing the essential role of otolaryngologists in the integration of AI, the session advocates for a foundational understanding of AI. We will introduce existing AI-based tools and explore upcoming transformative technologies aimed at increasing efficiency, including summarization, real-time coding and enhanced patient portal interactions.