Healthcare in the Quantum Realm
Applying quantum computing to the problems of the COVID-19 pandemic shows massive benefits for applying the emerging tech to healthcare
Okay, let’s be real: we’re all wondering when we get to use that portal from Ant-Man to go through universes, right? Well, we might not have a quantum realm to shrink into just yet (fortunate or unfortunate, depending how you look at it). Still, the fascinating possibilities of quantum mechanics are real, and they do offer some intriguing possibilities for advancing the healthcare industry. Let’s take a look, but first:
Explain Quantum to me:
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics. It utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers.
Um, okay. What if I was a 5 year old?:
Picture a light switch. It can be either on (representing 1 in classical computing) or off (representing a 0). This is how traditional computing processes information today - the switch can only be on or off. Now, imagine a dimmer switch, where light can be at various levels of brightness, anywhere between completely off and fully on. This is the concept of qubits, which can exist in not just two states (0 and 1), but also in both simultaneously (which is called superposition).
Back to Quantum in Healthcare:
Remember the early days of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout? Despite the speed at which vaccines were developed, many folks found themselves stuck on long waitlists, unable to access these shots. In addition, the global healthcare infrastructure often struggled with the complexities of identifying and containing the virus efficiently, largely due to the lack of real-time data analytics for thermal imaging scans and accurately predicting spread patterns. This frustrating situation highlighted significant challenges in our healthcare supply chain and distribution systems, underscoring the need for more robust, adaptable, and intelligent supply chain management in healthcare.
Consider this example: During the pandemic, a store in Georgia set up thermal imaging cameras to ensure customers with fevers were not entering the store. Hospitals and airports also implemented similar thermal imaging systems, coupled with traditional thermometers. To protect privacy, personal data was not processed because the body temperature was only displayed on the camera without further processing, and it was not combined with data from video surveillance. This approach involved analysis of thermal images, elevated body temperatures, and more. Imagine distributing this approach across the world, collecting insights that could help identify the spread of the virus in real-time. Even if the data were feasibly consolidated and secure, the processing power needed would entail extremely high costs and demand substantial computing power.
With quantum computing, that’s not the case. Quantum computing recognizes intricate patterns, making it valuable at efficiently identifying subtle temperature variations indicative of infections. Parallel processing capabilities would increase the speed of processing vast amounts of thermal video data, allowing for real-time or near-real time identification of COVID-19 cases. Through quantum’s superposition principle, a characteristic that allows qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously, quantum algorithms could assess all the thermal video clips simultaneously.
Quantum Supply Chain Solutions:
In 2020, the distribution of essential resources, such as vaccines and protective gear, faced inefficiencies due to static and conventional supply chain models. Many nations often struggled to adapt to dynamic resource needs and adjust their logistics strategies accordingly, resulting in delayed responses and underserved regions.
Traditional methods of forecasting vaccine demand rely on historical data and trend analysis, often leading to reactive responses rather than proactive. Quantum computing, on the other hand, can run simulations that consider a multitude of variables simultaneously. For example, while classical computers are analyzing historical data and new data in batches, quantum algorithms can explore numerous possibilities at once, adapting to real-time changes in trends, demographics, and virus spread patterns. This can enable pharmacies and other distribution centers to predict future vaccine requirements with a higher level of accuracy, ensuring efficient distribution of vaccines to locations that are in need.
In addition to availability, vaccine equity was also a concern during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Investigations into the vaccine distribution landscape exposed a troubling concentration of vaccines in wealthier nations, leaving less affluent regions struggling to secure adequate doses. Quantum-powered logistics present a solution to optimizing the distribution process in the future: The ability to accurately model complex systems can help expedite decision-making and expose inequitable distribution. Even the complexity of optimizing distribution routes, a formidable task for conventional computers, can be resolved by quantum-powered logistics, helping to ensure vaccines reach their destinations efficiently based on demand.
Looking forward:
If quantum computing in healthcare sparked your curiosity and you immediately thought of patient data, you're not alone. On top of the potential benefits I’ve already mentioned, many healthcare professionals want to explore quantum cryptography to help protect and anonymize sensitive patient information while its analyzed. The possibilities for quantum applications in healthcare are just dawning, but staying informed about these developments can help you anticipate and prepare for the evolving landscape. And if you hear of anyone making an Ant-Man portal, make sure you let us know.
- Pranav Varanasi | Deloitte Consulting LLP
- Abhishek Bhagavatula | Deloitte Consulting LLP