The delivery of medical services has evolved due to the rapid emergence of biotechnological innovations and digital technologies that support the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). As a result of this evolving landscape, the focus for the future of health care is on using AI to create predictive models for treatment; enhancing patient’s access to their providers; and accelerating diagnostic processes and improving the accuracy of those diagnoses. Ultimately, new technologies have the potential to impact both the way we provide clinically efficient services as well as enhance the overall quality of our patients’ experiences.
1. AI Assisting Clinicians with Diagnostic Decision Making
Clinicians utilize AI systems to process large amounts of data generated from various sources including but limited to imaging studies and lab tests in addition to a patient’s medical history. AI utilizes pattern recognition algorithms to identify anomalies or trends much sooner than would be possible through manual review of similar data by a clinician.
The use of AI-based data-driven decision making significantly impacts the speed and accuracy of initial interventions and decreases the number of errors associated with diagnostic decisions.
2. Increasing Access to Care via Telemedicine
Telemedicine provides an opportunity for patients to receive care from their providers remotely utilizing a variety of tools such as video conferencing and wearables to monitor chronic conditions. This allows patients to avoid repeated hospital visits and receive care as needed.
The use of continuous monitoring of chronic conditions via wearables versus episodic care provides numerous advantages to patients managing chronic conditions.
Continuous communication with the patient’s provider enhances the continuity of care provided.
3. Improving Treatment Effectiveness via Precision Medicine and Genomics
Advancements in genetic sequencing enable providers to tailor treatments to each patient based upon their unique biology. Tailoring treatments to a patient’s specific biology increases the efficacy of the treatment and minimizes adverse side effects.
Improved long-term outcomes for patients treated with precision medicine.
Improving the efficiency of treatment plans enables clinicians to target their interventions more effectively.
4. Enhancing Clinical Efficiency via Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Robotically assisted surgical techniques increase precision while decreasing post-operative recovery times. Utilizing minimally invasive surgical techniques decrease complications associated with surgery.
Enhanced precision during surgical procedures increases efficiency in providing the best possible outcome for the patient.
Decreasing recovery time increases the positive experience of the patient’s recovery.
Summary
Technologies currently transforming the future of medical service delivery include AI-assisted diagnostics, expanded telemedicine capabilities, precision medicine, and robotically-assisted surgical techniques. The development of these technologies may ultimately lead to enhanced patient care outcomes, greater accessibility to care, and increased accuracy and efficiency within the delivery of medical services. Healthcare organizations that continue to evolve their use of technologies responsibly will establish the standard for future generations of medical service delivery.
