Experts have stressed the need to advance laboratory medicine by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical workflows for better healthcare delivery.

A Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) specialist, Dr Emeka Chukwuka, who suggested at the 19th National Scientific Conference and yearly General Meeting, organised by the College of Nigerian Pathologists (CNP), themed ‘Jewel 2024′, urged pathologists to embrace the future of healthcare, and ensure better haematology and laboratory management.

The renowned haematologist emphasised the transformative potential of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining laboratory operations, adding that the integration of AI into clinical workflows will help optimise patient outcomes.

Highlighting AI’s role in pathology, Chukwuka said that AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in laboratory medicine by utilising advanced algorithms for data analysis, enables quicker and more reliable interpretations of complex medical data, and improves patient care.

According to him, creating a standardised framework for validating AI tools is essential to ensure accuracy, reliability, safety, and improved patient care in pathology.

He noted that robust ethical standards and regulatory frameworks are vital for addressing data privacy, consent, and bias while ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.

Chukwuka observed that the Nigerian healthcare systems face significant challenges, including inefficient data management, outdated infrastructure, and suboptimal Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

For successful AI adoption, he recommended comprehensive training programmes that combine theory and practical skills to help pathologists effectively use AI tools and establish ethical guidelines for data privacy, bias, and confidentiality to ensure responsible AI use in pathology.
He said: “Now is the time to integrate these cutting-edge technologies into our practices as pathologists. A robust technological infrastructure is needed, such as modernising laboratory systems for AI integration, enhancing data storage and processing for effective pathology.”

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Prof Saleh Yuguda, emphasised the critical role of blood transfusion in healthcare and the challenges faced in Nigeria, including inadequate supply and safety concerns.

Yuguda stated that the agency aims to ensure safe, quality blood services through regulation and donor mobilisation, noting that pathologists play a vital role in testing, providing expert advice, and educating healthcare professionals.

He observed that collaborative effort among stakeholders is essential to enhance blood transfusion services and ensure safety and accessibility for all Nigerians.
Yuguda stated that the agency is facing the challenge of data management on blood transfusion services from centres within the country.

He solicited the support of pathologists, especially those in leadership positions in the tertiary healthcare facilities with regards to streamlining the agencies’ services and bringing to fruition plans.

On his part, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, emphasised the need for excellent leadership that prioritises infrastructure, personnel and technology acquisition to ensure a formidable healthcare system.

Abdullahi, who explained how the institution has strived to train doctors and healthcare personnel, called for investment in staff training.

Earlier, the President of, College of Nigeria Pathologists, Dr Abimbola Amusu, emphasised that pathologists are essential in diagnosing and monitoring diseases. “We are critical in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare by ensuring accurate and precise diagnoses and advising on therapeutic strategies,” he said.

He called on government and health facility management to provide an enabling environment to practice.

Amusu said that artificial Intelligence and machine learning are no longer futuristic. “As pathologists in diagnostic medicine and monitoring of disease, it is necessary that we not just join the train, but we should sit and design the best diagnosis and treatment support for patients,”

While urging pathologists to engage in these advancements actively, Amusu underscored the critical partnership between pathologists, government, and healthcare providers in ensuring quality healthcare delivery.