Artificial Intelligence, EHRs and the future of health technology
Artificial intelligence has been the stuff of stories for years – it’s a buzzword that has infiltrated conversations about technology in all industries.
Thought leaders have lauded the possible uses of AI in chat bots, virtual assistants, when interpreting lab results, by improving clinical documentation, when treating PTSD in veterans, etc. Artificial intelligence is gaining traction across the board and particularly in healthcare.
Whether it’s IBM Watson Health, Apple’s foray into EHR, or an Amazon Alexa for healthcare… the race to include artificial intelligence in healthcare and eHealth tech has started.
These tools are potentially big steps forward for healthcare technology, but there have been more incremental changes as well.
With the integration of artificial intelligence, our standards are rising for the tech we use to manage healthcare. Most EHRs or EMRs now include a number of add-on features that can enhance clinical decisions.
However, data is simply no longer enough.Leonard D’Avolio, CEO and co-founder of Cyft put it well when he said, “we do ourselves a disservice when we refer to [artificial intelligence] as something that we just take a ton of data, push a button and cure cancer.” He thinks that healthcare professionals need “to be more realistic about what these tools can and can’t do.”
Understanding data and what a customer truly needs is the “foundation for transformation,” D’Avolio continues.
Here’s what it comes down to (and what D’Avolio is saying): the discussion around artificial intelligence requires nuance. A doctor or medical professional brings practical experience to the table. Artificial intelligence will never be able to replace the instincts honed by years of experience.
EHR and healthcare tech companies must develop ways to incorporate the individual experience and wisdom of doctors into the technology itself. Every provider is different and deserves a tool to capture his or her unique practice.
