Helping Doctors, Hearing Patients: How AI Fits into Real Care | Dr. Duncan Light X Dezy It

This article explores how AI can improve healthcare without losing the human touch. Dr. Duncan Light, a former surgeon and current medtech reviewer, shares his insights on AI's role in patient care, surgical planning, and reducing clinician workload. The discussion highlights the importance of preparing patients for new technologies and the need for balanced regulation in the rapidly evolving field of medical AI.

The Patient Experience: A Key Focus for AI in Healthcare

When we talk about new technology in healthcare, it's easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and software. But Dr. Light points out that we often forget the patient's experience. Imagine being rushed to the hospital in an emergency, only to be met by an AI agent asking about your family history. It can be pretty jarring.

That's why it's so important to prepare patients for these changes. Hospitals and providers need to offer clear information about how AI will be used. This could mean having educational materials available or even an AI bot by the bedside to answer questions. Patients often feel unheard, especially after big operations when doctors are only seen briefly. An AI assistant could help with common questions, like when the next meal is or what recovery will be like at home. This kind of support can really help with patient anxiety and make them feel more informed.

AI in Surgical Planning and Efficiency

AI isn't just for patient communication; it can also make a big difference in how doctors work. Dr. Light is particularly interested in how AI can help with complex cases, like cancer patients.

Right now, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) meet to discuss patient plans. These teams rely on their knowledge and experience. But what if an AI agent could join these meetings? This AI could have access to the latest guidelines and clinical trials, offering an extra opinion that might otherwise be missed. This would give doctors more information to make the best decisions for their patients.

Another huge area where AI can help is with administrative tasks. Doctors spend a lot of time reviewing results from pathology and radiology. Many even do this on their own time, unpaid. An AI could automate this process. For example, if a patient needs follow-up scans for gallbladder cancer, the AI could automatically schedule them based on the latest guidelines. This could save surgeons a whole day of work each week, making patient care faster and more efficient.

Reducing Clinician Workload and Enhancing the Operating Room

Beyond administrative tasks, AI can also reduce the mental load on clinicians. Dr. Light sees a lot of potential in augmented reality (AR) in the operating room. Imagine a surgeon wearing AR glasses that can highlight key structures during an operation or even bring in a virtual colleague for advice on a complex case. This could be a game-changer, especially when dealing with unusual anatomy.

AR could also help in emergency situations outside the hospital. Dr. Light describes a scenario where someone could put on AR glasses and be guided through CPR, showing them exactly where to place their hands and giving verbal instructions. This kind of technology could save many lives by turning ordinary people into temporary experts.

The Future of AI in Healthcare: Regulation and Smart Devices

Bringing new technology to healthcare is complex. There's a lot of work involved in research, development, and clinical trials. Regulation is a big hurdle. Different countries are trying to figure out how to regulate AI, and it's a global challenge. If regulations are too strict, new technologies might not make it to market, leaving real-world healthcare behind.

However, some AI applications, like patient assistants, might be easier to introduce because they are less direct. More complex technologies, like AR in surgery, will face more challenges. It's a step-by-step process, testing and refining at each stage to make sure the technology helps rather than harms care.

Dr. Light also sees a future where medical devices are "smart." Imagine a surgical stapler that automatically reports malfunctions back to the manufacturer. This kind of integrated function could greatly improve safety and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

• Patient-Centered AI: AI should support patients by providing information and reducing anxiety, especially through tools like bedside AI assistants.

• Efficiency for Clinicians: AI can streamline tasks like reviewing results and surgical planning, freeing up doctors' time.

• Augmented Reality in Surgery: AR can guide surgeons during operations and even help laypeople in emergencies.

• Regulatory Balance: Finding the right balance in AI regulation is important to encourage innovation while ensuring safety.

• Human Touch Remains Key: Even with advanced AI, empathy and the human connection between patients and doctors are still the most important parts of care.

AI in healthcare isn't about replacing people; it's about giving them better tools to provide care. It's about making healthcare more efficient, safer, and more patient-friendly. To learn more about how technology is shaping the future of healthcare, Visit https://www.dezyit.com.