The Impact of AI on the Doctor-Patient Relationship
A couple of weeks ago, I visited my doctor to discuss some test results. Overall, my health was “spectacularly average.” However, an unexpected part of the appointment caught my attention. After my doctor reviewed my health status, she turned her computer monitor towards me and presented a colorful dashboard filled with numbers and percentages.
At first, I wasn’t quite sure what I was observing. My doctor explained that she had entered my information into a database that compiled data from millions of patients like me. This database utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to predict potential health outcomes, providing me with a snapshot of possible future health issues.
As someone usually skeptical about AI, I found myself questioning whether we should trust this technology if healthcare professionals do. Notably, Dr. Eric Topol, a prominent physician-scientist at Scripps Research and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, advocates for this trust. He believes that AI has the potential to mend the fraying relationship between doctors and patients.
The Erosion of the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Dr. Topol points out that there has been significant deterioration in the doctor-patient relationship. He states that much of a physician’s time is consumed by administrative tasks, making them “part-time data clerks.” This leaves less time for genuine patient care.
“The reason we entered medicine was to care for patients,” Topol explains, “and that’s impossible without adequate time for each individual.”
Can AI Humanize Healthcare?
When asked whether AI can make healthcare more human-centric, Topol asserts that it can indeed. He points out that advanced natural language processing technology can assist in capturing and organizing patient conversations, enabling doctors to focus more on patient interaction rather than clerical work.
This shift means that patients might soon utilize AI tools for interpreting their health data, confirming diagnoses, and even seeking second opinions. Topol envisions a future where AI not only streamlines administrative tasks but also enhances the human-to-human connections between doctors and patients.
Concerns About Efficiency and Patient Care
One concern about increased efficiency is the potential for healthcare administrators to demand that doctors see more patients within the same time frame. Topol acknowledges this possibility, urging healthcare professionals to advocate for their patients and relationships.
Addressing Bias in AI
Bias in healthcare is a critical issue that Topol believes must be acknowledged. “It’s a mirror of our culture,” he explains, emphasizing that AI can be beneficial in addressing these biases if utilized carefully. He highlights instances where AI has been used effectively in low-income areas to improve health outcomes, such as screening for diabetic retinopathy in Kenya.
The Risk of Deepening Health Disparities
Given the existing disparities in healthcare access, Topol expresses concerns that AI could exacerbate inequalities. He insists that any advancement in technology should focus on assisting those who need it most, aiming to leverage AI’s capabilities to benefit underserved populations.
Optimism for the Future of Healthcare
Despite the challenges ahead, Dr. Topol remains hopeful. He cites the staggering number of diagnostic errors—12 million annually, causing serious consequences for nearly 800,000 individuals. He believes this presents an opportunity for AI to improve accuracy and patient safety.
“We are still in the early stages of all this,” he concludes, “but I have tremendous optimism about what AI can bring to healthcare.”
For a deeper understanding of the conversation surrounding AI and healthcare, you can listen to the full episode from Vox’s podcast on this topic. Here.
Image Credit: www.vox.com
