Technology has always played a role in medicine, but in recent years it has fundamentally changed the supplier-patient relationship. I had the privilege of discovering in the first hand how our industry arrived during my years as an exercise and medical doctor of Nextech. We now have powerful digital tools at hand that rationalize workflows, reduce administrative charges and support more significant patient care. As exciting as it can explore to what extent new technologies can take us, it is imperative that strengthening our connections with patients remains the guiding light of our forward journey.
Providers have approached both benefits and challenges since the Hitech 2009 law accelerated the adoption of electronic health files (DSE). Digital documentation improves accessibility and organization of data, but many DSEs can be heavy and keep the attention of patients. We see a more rationalized relationship between man and machine through the emergence and increased acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI).
Today automatize repetitive tasks, allowing suppliers to focus on patient care. The AI scribes, for example, passively listen to consultations and generate structured medical notes in real time. I can now maintain visual contact, listen actively, engage more significant conversations and repeat relationships and trust my patients instead of typing behind a screen. It is a clear improvement compared to the past.
I remember the old scribble time notes on the paper graphics and spend hours dictating letters after seeing the patients. It was not effective or the best way to provide quality care. Now the technology guarantees that the documentation is finished with precision and quickly, releasing more time for high priorities.
A common concern about medicine technology is that it could alienate elderly patients. However, according to my experience, AI tools can make health care more accessible through generations. For example, automated appointments of appointments and order management reduces the complexity of navigation of health care systems. Even patients who are not warned in technology benefit from minimized waiting time, documents reduction and improving overall efficiency.
The AI allows providers to engage in precious and personal conversations face to face. These tools help clinicians reassure patients, especially those who may feel intimidated in a medical framework, with personal attention and connection while technology manages the background documentation. The objective of the technology is to improve the patient’s journey, to empower solid quality care and to promote solid communication and collaboration from the patient’s first interaction throughout billing and beyond.
A significant advantage of technology is a better collaboration between health care providers. A well -organized and easily accessible medical file allows specialists, primary care providers and staff to remain aligned on the patient’s treatment plan.
I frequently receive references from other suppliers. Instead of waiting for paper files or sampling incomplete documentation, I can instantly review the history of a patient, test results and previous treatments. This guarantees that I am able to provide informed care of the minute where a patient enters my office.
Patients also benefit from this connectivity. Digital platforms allow them to access their own medical records, follow processing plans and communicate more effectively with their suppliers. The sharing of real -time information reduces delays and prevents poor communication, which leads to better results.
The integration of new technologies into health care is not without obstacles: cost, administrative burden and resistance to the change of all current challenges. Many suppliers, in particular those of small practices, are concerned about the financial investment required to implement AI tools.
In addition, poorly designed technology can create more frustration than it does. Some DSE systems remain heavy and AI tools that are not intuitive can slow down end users rather than improving workflows. The AI must be correctly formed, evaluated by peers and follow the best practices in the industry to ensure that the systems that your practice chooses to avoid inaccuracies and ineffectures.
The thoughtful implementation can meet these challenges. Developers must prioritize the accuracy, the comments of the end user and the experience of providers to create intuitive and accessible solutions in all care parameters.
The future of health care technology is promising but requires special attention. AI offers significant improvements in relation to laborious and repetitive tasks. But its true value lies in its ability to improve, and not to replace, the human side of medicine. Some skeptics fear that technology eliminates the need for human connection; I found the opposite. Instead, these tools authorize suppliers by eliminating tedious tasks, which allows them to focus on critical decision -making and patient care.
One thing remains clear because health care continues to evolve, technology is not the future of medicine; This is the present. When implemented effectively, the solutions supported by AI improve efficiency and precision and strengthen the supplier-patient relationship. In the end, the best technology is the one that means that doctors do what they do best, taking care of their patients.
Image: Yuichiro Chino, Getty Images
Dr Jason Handza is the chief doctor at Nextchechhelping to advance the clinical solutions of the company. With more than 20 years of experience, he is a founding partner and retina specialist at the retina at Sight360 in Tampa, Florida. He is also director and principal researcher at the Sight360 Research Center clinical in Pinellas Park, Florida.
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