AI and digital tools can be revolutionary for the healthcare sector, and their value is already evident. From streamlining administration to enhancing diagnoses, patient care is significantly better off thanks to these tools. In a high-pressure environment, embracing innovation and taking it to the next level will help to ease demands and create a framework that works better for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
We’re already seeing government policy being developed to drive the transition. The government recently published its 10-Year Health Plan, setting out a vision for a fully modernised health service, powered by digital transformation. The strategy centres on replacing outdated systems with advanced technologies such as AI. Crucially, this digital shift aims to ease long-standing challenges, including reducing the administrative burden on healthcare professionals. Achieving this vision will require not only strong policy leadership but also close collaboration with public and private investors to scale and encourage the adoption of these innovations across the healthcare service.
Digital transformation in healthcare
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is already addressing healthcare challenges in the UK and around the world. When implemented effectively, it reduces costs, makes care more accessible and has a direct impact on patient outcomes. Streamlining diagnosis, for example, can help professionals care for more patients, particularly when services are at capacity.
Crucially, by freeing up time and resources, digital solutions allow more capital and attention to be directed where it really matters – at the point of care.
Meanwhile, other innovations like remote monitoring tools are enabling patients to manage their conditions from home, easing the burden on healthcare professionals, who can focus on patients with more pressing medical needs.
The power of AI
Although AI already makes a significant difference by easing the administrative burden and freeing up time, its full potential is yet to be realised.
AI can help the healthcare sector make better use of patient data by analysing vast datasets to pull out the most meaningful insights, including patterns that may point to emerging risks. The real value lies in how this can lead to more effective, efficient and personalised care.
One way this could be applied in real-time is with the triage of patients. AI could decide, or at least advise professionals, on the severity of conditions to ensure that care is allocated in a fair and considered fashion.
Other benefits include early diagnosis, more effective treatment recommendations and patient outcome predictions. Critically, early detection treatments can begin sooner, giving patients a better chance of recovery.
And the size of the opportunity ahead shouldn’t be underestimated. McKinsey & Company are projecting that AI could save the healthcare industry hundreds of billions. It’s up to the healthcare leaders across private and public entities to grab it with both hands.
As trust builds in AI and its use expands, the healthcare sector can become even more efficient and effective.
What’s the key for successful implementation?
To successfully implement AI and digital tools, we must take a step back to identify the blockers that could impede progress.
Digitising health records is a crucial first step. Without accessible, high-quality data, AI and other digital technologies can’t deliver meaningful results. But this is no small task. Aligning decades of patient records is a complex and sensitive process that must be handled with care.
Critically, this isn’t a free-for-all when it comes to patient data. Any use of personal health information must be governed by strict ethical standards and robust data protection measures. Healthcare leaders must take a thoughtful approach to ensure public trust is maintained and digital transformation can deliver the results we know it can.
Collaboration across the whole industry will be critical to ensure institutions follow a well thought out path for the next stage of digital transformation.
With the right foundations in place, digital transformation has the potential to transform the healthcare industry as much as any other industry. The challenge now is to accelerate the embedding of AI and similar tools in a sustainable fashion that works for all.
