Smart Medicine: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare

Abstract The use of artificial intelligence in medicine has already begun. This is true for many countries in Europe and around the world, while the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is somewhat different. Bosnia and Herzegovina lags behind European countries when it comes to developing a digital strategy and the digital transformation of society, and the same applies to the use of artificial intelligence in various business and life sectors, including healthcare. The goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview of AI applications in Europe and worldwide, analyze the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and finally, propose measures for faster and higher-quality implementation of AI applications in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s healthcare systems. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, Healthcare, Internet of Things.

1. Introduction Artificial intelligence in healthcare is already being significantly applied. Based on available experiences and research, it can be concluded that the application of AI in healthcare has enormous potential but also certain risks. It is important to emphasize that the goal of AI is not to exclude or replace physicians, but rather to assist them in faster, easier, and more accurate diagnostics and treatment. There is no universally accepted definition of artificial intelligence; the term generally refers to computational technologies that mimic human cognitive processes such as reasoning, learning, adaptation, sensory understanding, and interaction. Currently, most AI applications are narrow, performing specific tasks or solving predefined problems. However, it is certain that in the coming years and decades, AI will make significant progress and become a crucial factor in modern systems. 2. Possibilities of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AIMED) Before analyzing and presenting AI applications in healthcare, it is important to identify potential risks and benefits. The risks include unreliable algorithmic outcomes (due to bias, low-quality data, lack of transparency, or use in inappropriate contexts), data leaks (privacy and security violations during data collection or AI execution), and excessive workload imposed on already strained healthcare workers. Furthermore, unclear accountability for AI governance may prevent fair and collaborative implementation. The potential applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare (AIMED) are numerous. Some already exist, and their true expansion is expected in the coming years. AI in healthcare is currently reflected in several medical segments: surgery (gesture-based assistance, nanobot-assisted surgery), patient monitoring (tracking vital signs, responding to alerts), content generation, enhancement of medical visits (virtual treatments, remote consultations), and medical staff training (virtual experiments, discovery of new drugs). AI already supports doctors and medical personnel in medical imaging and laboratory testing. Its contribution is evident in faster diagnoses and improved treatment efficiency, allowing doctors to dedicate more attention to their patients. AI can and should assist in proper treatment flow and remote patient monitoring. Wearable devices transmit data via wireless networks to central databases where AI can detect abnormalities and alert healthcare professionals. This capability enables faster, more accurate responses and significantly saves time. As AI advances, it will also provide treatment recommendations and guidance, further enhancing patient care and outcomes. 3. The Role of Telecom Operators in the AIMED Segment Telecom operators are a vital link in all modern smart services, including AI in medicine (AIMED). Traditionally, they act as network service providers, but with the evolution of ICT, telecoms must expand their roles to include hardware production and offering full 'turnkey' smart solutions. In healthcare, telecoms should collaborate with software providers to deliver integrated AIMED solutions to hospitals and clinics. Such cooperation benefits both sectors, positioning telecoms as key enablers of digital healthcare transformation. The Comprehensive Techno-Economic (CTE) Model developed for telecom potential assessment can also be applied to AIMED. It enables forecasting of telecom development trends through 2050. According to the model, telecom services will evolve from traditional packages to integrated solutions based on IoT, IIoT, OTT, Cloud, and XaaS. By 2040, AI will be embedded at network edges, supporting fully decentralized and intelligent systems that enable next-generation healthcare applications in Web3 and metaverse environments. 4. Potential for AI Application in Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina For broader AI adoption in healthcare, Bosnia and Herzegovina must implement a national digital transformation strategy. This includes stronger engagement from all government levels, active participation by telecom operators, utility companies, and IT firms, and the introduction of policies to attract digital talent. AI can significantly enhance diagnostics, patient monitoring, and personalized medicine. It can analyze genetic and medical data to recommend individualized treatments. Moreover, Bosnian researchers should engage in global AI-driven drug discovery projects, leveraging big data for innovation. 5. Conclusion The paper demonstrates that artificial intelligence already plays an important role in medicine across developed countries. Its role will expand through ongoing advancements. AI should be viewed in combination with Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, XaaS, and OTT services, which collectively improve healthcare efficiency and reduce costs. For these technologies to function optimally, Bosnia and Herzegovina requires robust optical and mobile network infrastructure. Thus, strong involvement from all levels of government is crucial to ensure full digital transformation and integration of AI in healthcare.