Artificial Intelligence Functionalities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Public Health
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual solutions and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
• While AI's role in healthcare is recognized, a comprehensive review is needed to identify its potential yet unfulfilled functionalities during pandemics.
• This study focuses on assessing AI functionalities specifically within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of artificial intelligence functionalities applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify and analyze the current applications and potential future uses of AI in managing pandemic-related healthcare challenges.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of AI's role in healthcare during the COVID-19 crisis.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Cochran Library, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, Web of Science) from 2019 to May 2022.
• Articles were selected based on specific keywords related to AI and COVID-19, followed by title, abstract, and full-text review.
• Two investigators evaluated the selected articles to identify and analyze AI functionalities in the context of the pandemic.

Main Results:

• The initial search yielded 9123 articles, with 4 ultimately selected for final analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• All included studies were cross-sectional, with 50% conducted in the United States, 25% in Israel, and 25% in Saudi Arabia.
• The reviewed articles focused on the application of AI in the prediction, detection, and diagnosis of COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first scoping review to assess AI functionalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Healthcare organizations require advanced decision support technologies capable of human-like perception, thinking, and reasoning.
• Potential AI applications include predicting mortality, patient screening and tracing, health data analysis, risk stratification, and resource allocation in healthcare settings and pandemics.