The Tech-Powered Future of Patient Care
The ever-advancing landscapes of AI and spatial computing are modernizing decision-making for patients and doctors alike.
My father is an electrophysiologist, a medical specialist whose expertise lies in understanding and treating the intricacies of the human heart's electrical system. His journey in medicine began long before I can remember, and it's a path he's devoted his entire life to. For him, being an electrophysiologist isn't just a career; it's a calling, a vocation that demands unwavering dedication and commitment.
But his day as an electrophysiologist doesn't stop when he leaves the hospital. In reality, it never really ends. When he's back home, the grind continues. Our dining table turns into his impromptu office, piled high with charts, patient records, and a constant flow of medical data. He often expresses his frustration about not having enough time to give each patient the care they truly need. It's a common refrain, echoing the tough demands of his job and the looming threat of a future shortage of doctors.
My dad, like many in his field, has dedicated his life to mastering the ins and outs of medicine. Yet, he's also a lifelong learner. He's always curious, and when he first heard about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, it caught his attention like nothing else before. He started to wonder how AI could make his work-life better, ease some of the burdens that keep him away from family time, and ultimately, help him provide even better care to his patients.
After all, consider some of the problems physicians are facing today which could be improved with the help of AI and other emerging technologies, like spatial computing. As referenced in the book Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again, a few concerning areas are in need of improvement:
12 million misdiagnoses happen every year in the US
Nearly one-third of medical operations performed are unnecessary
The ubiquity and demands of electronic health records (EHRs) have turned many physicians into data entry technicians and reduced their patient time
Burnout, worsened by a physician shortage and new demands on doctors, is associated with doubling the risk of patient safety incidents
Easing some of these burdens could drastically change the health landscape for physicians in the coming years. But for me, I’m curious to know what my patient experience could look like, not in 2-3 years, but in the decade to come, when today’s emerging technologies are integrated into everyday life. Let's envision the integration of AI and spatial computing within patient care in 2035:
AI: Every doctor’s best friend.
An AI copilot, in the form of a digital chatbot, could serve as the cornerstone in a physician’s practice, going beyond a mere tool to become a collaborative partner in his/her workflow, integrated into every step of medical diagnosis and treatment.
During brief breaks between patients, physicians can access the latest research in their field by asking the AI. In mere moments, it can provide a concise summary of recent studies, which would empower physicians to make more precise and informed decisions. Such ease can also foster continuous learning outside of board certification requirements and keep physicians at the forefront of medical advancements.
Additionally, the AI copilot can take over some of the administrative responsibilities that take away time from patient care, such as:
Efficiently managing scheduling for follow-up appointments
Sending timely reminders to patients regarding medication and preventative care
Updating patient medical records with the latest test results and interaction notes, reducing the huge burden of documentation that leads to burnout
Finally, AI-enabled patient care can extend beyond the hospital setting. Through remote monitoring and continuous data collection through biometric devices like smart watches, potential issues can be identified early. And predictive analytics can track patient health trends, helping to ensure proactive measures are taken even without direct hospital engagement.
Spatial computing: Better insights, better connections
The era of confinement to flat screens is evolving, and through the future of spatial computing, physicians can soon immerse themselves in 3D holographic representations of the heart. With a simple voice command or hand gesture, an AI-driven digital assistant could zoom in on specific cardiac structures and offer fresh insights, while the physician maintains eye contact with the patient and explains the images.
And spatial computing isn’t just about patient education, it’s also transforming data analysis. During the review of an electrocardiogram (ECG), a simple gesture can enable a physician to identify irregularities in real-time. Then, the technology could seamlessly generate comparative charts with past ECGs, providing both physician and patient with a comprehensive history.
On top of these benefits, spatial computing also enables physicians to better collaborate worldwide in real-time. Picture a scenario where a physician needs advice on a unique case. By interacting through spatial devices, they could collaborate with specialized experts with a quick video call, share patient data securely, and devise innovative treatment plans. This interconnected healthcare system could not only streamline patient care, but cultivate a sense of unity among healthcare professionals.
Looking forward:
I'm truly excited about the changes we're about to witness. AI, spatial computing, and open-source tools are on the verge of making a real impact in healthcare. We're moving towards a future where patient care becomes more precise, doctors work more efficiently, and burnout becomes less of a problem.
Reflecting on my father's journey, it's clear that his career in medicine has been a long one, filled with dedication and hard work. From his early days in medical school to the countless hours he spends at the hospital, he's always been committed to understanding the human heart's electrical system. Now, as we approach this exciting transformation, I see it as a continuation of the path he started. It's a return to the core of what medicine means to him—efficient and helpful patient care—and I can't wait to see these changes make healthcare better for everyone.
- Pranav Varanasi, Deloitte Consulting LLP