Transforming Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery The Pivotal Role of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Workflows

Otolaryngologists are key stakeholders in the creation and clinical implementation of AI technologies that can improve the care of patients. Integrating AI in an otolaryngologic practice represents a paradigm shift in health care delivery, promising to enhance clinical workflows, patient care, and overall operational efficiency. Change, to be sure, does not happen overnight as exemplified by Martec's Law ( Fig. 2 ) and an otolaryngologist who wants to be part of the AI revolution and the evolution inherently associated with machine learning should be aware of the general environmental factors that influence health care-related AI advances. Amara's Law ( Fig. 3 ) nicely demonstrates how an otolaryngologist should appreciate the lifecycle of expectations as it pertains to AI innovations as a means to temper enthusiasm for a novel AI startup or solution, while also appreciating the potential long-term upsides of the technology. As explored in this article, AI's applications in otolaryngologic workflows are diverse and impactful, ranging from outpatient care to hospital settings to operating rooms. AI has the potential to revolutionize patient interactions and preliminary diagnoses in outpatient settings through automated coding, efficient record management, and enhanced diagnostic and treatment planning. In inpatient environments, AI's ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data significantly improves patient monitoring and critical care response. The operating room, a critical arena in OHNS, witnesses AI's transformative impact in preoperative planning, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative care. However, not every aspect of an otolaryngologist's practice needs to be "AI-driven"; thoughtful consideration should be made by otolaryngologists to understand what solutions, if any, will benefit their specific clinical workflows as it pertains to the patient population(s) they treat, their practice's dynamics, etc. In conclusion, AI stands at the forefront of revolutionizing OHNS practice workflows, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance health care delivery. Its ability to reduce physician burnout, positively impact the environment, and improve patient experiences highlights its transformative role. As we embrace this new era of technology in health care, the collaboration between AI and human expertise will be instrumental in shaping a future where enhanced patient care and operational excellence are the norms in ENT.