Natural Language Processing in Healthcare Informatics: Challenges and Future Directions

Advancements in Transformer-Based Models for NLP in Healthcare

Author(s): Juhi Sharma, Uzma Patel, Divyanshi Salundiya, Avantika Sharma, Kratika Pathak and Sumit Govil *

Pp: 236-256 (21)

DOI: 10.2174/9798898814922126010016

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Transformer-based models have transformed the branch of Natural Language Processing (NLP), significantly developing healthcare applications. This abstract examines the advancements and effects of these models in healthcare, emphasizing their strengths, obstacles, and future possibilities. Notable transformer architectures such as BERT and GPT, along with their variants, have greatly improved the proficiency of NLP systems in comprehending and producing human language. These models are particularly effective for tasks like named entity recognition, relationship extraction, and clinical text generation, which are essential for managing and interpreting large volumes of healthcare information. Their ability to be pre-trained on extensive datasets and fine-tuned with specialized medical information has allowed transformers to attain cutting-edge performance in medical coding, Electronic Health Record (EHR) analysis, and patient sentiment evaluation. Implementing transformerbased models in the healthcare sector has enhanced diagnostic precision, provided more tailored treatment suggestions, and improved patient engagement through chatbots and virtual assistants. For instance, models like BioBERT and ClinicalBERT, specifically fine-tuned on biomedical and clinical literature, have demonstrated notable advancements in interpreting and predicting medical conditions based on clinical notes. Nevertheless, several challenges persist, including concerns about data privacy, the necessity for extensive and varied medical datasets, and the interpretability of complex model predictions. Tackling these issues requires ongoing research on model transparency, privacy-preserving methods, and strategies to address the imbalance and variability in healthcare data. Looking ahead, transformer-based models are set to further revolutionize healthcare by facilitating more accurate and scalable solutions. Improvement in model design, training approaches, and domain-specific customizations will be vital for realizing their full potential to enhance healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency.


Keywords: Diagnostic precision, Electronic health records, Healthcare, Model predictions, Patient engagement, Transformer architectures, Virtual assistants.