Data bias in AI is among the top concerns of healthcare leaders, while almost 90 per cent of them believe the use of automation for repetitive tasks is critical for addressing staff shortages. That is according to the latest Philips Future Health Index, which polls around 3,000 healthcare in 14 countries.The report explores ongoing staffing and access challenges within healthcare systems and the innovative solutions being used to address them.The ninth annual report, Better care for more people, demonstrates the pressures of staffing shortages and burnout on clinicians and their ability to deliver timely, high-quality care to patients.It shows how healthcare leaders are investing in technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence to help ease the burden on staff, and those that are having an impact on increasing access and health equity such as virtual care.Findings in the report include:Staffing Challenges: Burnout and shortages are critical factors impacting quality and access to care92% of healthcare leaders see a deterioration in staff’s well-being, morale and mental health81% of have seen delays in care because of staff shortagesIncreasing Access: Technologies are key to making a difference for patient, provider and health equity88% believe technology to automate repetitive tasks is critical for addressing staff shortages44% plan on implementing automation for workflow prioritization in the next three years82% see virtual care having a positive impact on easing staff shortages at their organizations40% say virtual care is enabling them to expand special services to underserved communities45% are using remote patient monitoring for chronic disease management96% say data-driven insights could help reduce disparities in health outcomesTech Investments: AI goes from ideation to implementationThe top areas in which AI has already been implemented for clinical decision support are radiology (27%), in-patient monitoring (23%), preventive care (16%) and remote patient monitoring (16%)However, 79% of healthcare leaders are concerned about the possibility of data bias in AI widening disparities in health outcomesJeff DiLullo, chief region leader for Philips North America, said: “To overcome those obstacles, particularly the pressures on our healthcare workforce, collaborative solutions embraced by healthcare leaders and policymakers through innovations like artificial intelligence are essential to reduce gaps and optimise patient outcomes by delivering more inclusive and effective care.”
Sarah Sinclair
Harness automation to solve repetitive task burden – healthcare leaders’ report
