Thailand hospital unveils AI-enhanced pathology system
BANGKOK, THAILAND — Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital (SiPH) in Thailand has made a notable advancement in medical technology with the launch of its AI-powered pathology information system (PIS).
This development is part of the hospital’s strategy to integrate cutting-edge computational technologies into healthcare services, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and efficiency.
Key features boost diagnostic accuracy
The newly established PIS at the 300-bed SiPH, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of Siriraj Hospital, is designed to streamline laboratory workflows and improve diagnostic precision.
The system includes speech-to-text functionality and an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that analyzes high-resolution slide images to detect high-risk findings, particularly in suspected prostate cancer cases. This AI, powered by IBM’s processing technology, aims to increase the speed and accuracy of pathology diagnostics.
Dr. Pornsuk Cheunsuchon, director of SiPH’s Digital Pathology Center, emphasized the system’s transformative impact.
In an interview with Healthcare IT News, Cheunsuchon noted that “speed and accuracy of work have increased,” highlighting how automation has been introduced to various workflow aspects, including documentation and identification of high-risk cases.
Automation reduces manual workload
Prior to this system’s implementation, SiPH depended on external pathology services from Siriraj Hospital. The introduction of the PIS has not only decreased this reliance but also significantly automated the diagnostic process.
The system can automatically order additional tests and alert medical staff to major findings, thereby reducing manual workload and improving overall efficiency.
“For example, speech-to-text technology has reduced typing errors, while AI assists in prostate cancer case screening by helping pathologists prioritize preliminary results,” Cheunsuchon explained. Since its launch earlier this year, the AI-driven service has processed over 14,000 test orders.
Future plans for technological expansion
SiPH plans to continue enhancing its pathology services by upgrading user interfaces and expanding the scope of AI-powered diagnostics to detect more types of cancer accurately. This initiative aligns with a broader trend in digital pathology across Asia, where hospitals are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to improve healthcare outcomes.
The hospital’s commitment to integrating state-of-the-art technology reflects a growing trend in the healthcare industry toward digital transformation. By leveraging AI and computational technologies, SiPH is setting a benchmark for other institutions aiming to enhance their diagnostic capabilities through innovation.
