Beyond the Hype: When, Where and What Artificial Intelligence Tools to Use in Otolaryngology

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now been within the popular lexicon for several years. Multiple AAO-HNS educational courses have been submitted and presented in the last few years, which have mostly provided a primer on understanding what AI is and why providers should use it. As the hype of AI has hit a fever pitch, there is a need to highlight practical applications of AI. Otolaryngologists should transition from understanding basic concepts to determining when and where to use AI technology. Identifying specific programs that can be used within an otolaryngologist’s practice will soon be critical, as the world is further shaped by the speed of information transfer and learning facilitated by AI. Whether it is for patient diagnosis, management, training or practice building, this session will describe specific applications that any otolaryngologist can use to maximize efficiency and benefit their practice. This includes use of public facing generative AI, cloud-based AI solutions as well as more specialized machine learning (ML) programs that focus on specific subspecialties or pathologies. Practical, real-world examples will be presented by the panelists, including AI for functional chart abstraction in referrals, assisting in diagnosis, and providing preop and postop counseling.

As popular use increases, it’s becoming clear that while AI won’t entirely replace clinicians, those who know how to use these tools will likely outperform those who don’t. This session will ensure otolaryngologists are at the forefront of learning when, where and what AI tools to use. The panelists are otolaryngologists who are also experts within information technology, digital health or AI at various academic health care institutions and have published on and presented novel use cases of AI.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize the importance of using AI technologies in clinical settings, including both public-facing large language models (LLMs) as well as more specialty specific machine learning algorithms

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Discuss three applications of AI that can be used within an otolaryngologist’s day-to-day life to improve the efficiency of practice referrals, assisting in diagnosis, and patient adherence to therapy

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Analyze when and where specific AI tools can be used in practice, including cloud-based technologies and mobile applications

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: In response to AI's growing significance in healthcare, this session enables otolaryngologists to recognize AI's clinical potential, explore practical applications, and critically analyze optimal tool integration to enhance everyday practice.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :