Introducing Natural Language Processing in Cardiology

24/01/24

Take Home Messages
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a powerful tool that enables computers to understand and work with human language in healthcare.
  • In cardiology, NLP has demonstrated its potential in Electronic Health Records analysis, cardiac imaging, and patient communication.
  • NLP's uses and limitations in healthcare are still under exploration due to Ethical challenges posed by the technology.
Introduction

Since Alan Turing posed the question "Can Machines Think?" and introduced the Turing Test for Artificial Intelligence in 1950(1), significant progress has been made in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and several fields of AI are now being used in healthcare. We venture into the realm of Natural Language Processing (NLP), a multi-disciplinary field that combines linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. This innovative technology enables machines to not only comprehend and interpret human language but also communicate effectively, imparting clarity and context to the vast expanse of healthcare data(2). In this article, we delve into the history, utilisation, and obstacles of NLP in healthcare, revealing its role in improving patient care and reshaping the future of medicine.