The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is causing seismic shifts in how the industry as a whole makes decisions and solves problems. No aspect of the industry will be untouched with administrators, clinical staff and support staff all bracing for changes to their current roles due to the ways AI is changing healthcare. These technologies will no doubt assist in helping these professionals better understand the day-to-day patterns affecting healthcare, leading to new opportunities—as well as new demands.
From AI tools that help diagnose disease, to social networks where doctors can connect, to data-driven workforce training and performance, there is immense potential in the continued digitalization of healthcare. And the adoption of technologies like AI in healthcare hold special promise due to their potential for improving various patient, business and human resource outcomes. It may also lead to frustration and resistance among employees who find the technology threatening or intimidating. So taking advantage of these tools requires a workforce that is adaptive and resilient. Therefore, new perspectives involving patient interaction, interaction among clinicians and their coworkers, as well as the willingness for employees to accept new job responsibilities, is key.
Here are 3 ways AI is changing healthcare and what healthcare workers can expect:
AI and Patient Care
This is perhaps the most exciting and widely-known frontier in healthcare today and with good reason. Clinicians are the lifeblood of healthcare organizations but, in many ways, are overworked and overextended. This can lead to reduced performance and ultimately, negative outcomes for patients. AI in medicine will harness the power of data to diagnose disease and recommend treatments to reduce mistakes and promote better patient outcomes.
With more patients basing healthcare decisions on reviews and data found online, quality care leading to positive outcomes is pivotal. Advancements in AI not only have the opportunity to reduce human error but can also facilitate the remote care becoming increasingly standard in healthcare due to the pandemic. In this way, AI will better protect patient data while automatically generating insights for those tracking their own health via electronic medical records systems and third-party digital apps.
AI and Workforce Performance and Training
AI in healthcare is expected to improve training and training methods by relying on data to facilitate personalized experiences and continuing education regimens. Sophisticated learning management systems will deliver content based on what is most relevant to the learner, rather than the common method of manually providing the same learning objectives to all.
However, healthcare professionals may need support in learning how to maximize the advantages of AI-driven learning and learning management systems.
Luckily, these two objectives can align with the right course content and training regime. This starts with healthcare organizations inspiring a culture that fosters both autonomous and assisted learning by supporting workers throughout changes to their organization.
AI and Healthcare Economics
Improvements in patient care and clinical efficiency directly impact healthcare bottom lines. More engaged patients mean customer loyalty and less waste helping shift resources and clinician attention to the patients that need it most.
AI will contribute to better clinician and staff workflows, helping them avoid mundane and repetitive tasks. This will increase productivity and job satisfaction among the clinical team. It will also help administrators identify where technology can substitute for resource-intensive man-hours to save on labor costs.