Will AI be your next family doctor?

According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), approximately 5.4 million people in Canada, or 17% of adults, do not have a family doctor.??People have opted in for significant participation in self-diagnosis.? In fact, there are?100 billion searches?for healthcare on Google alone each year, or 70,000 health-related searches per minute. ?Now factor in that a recent survey, 51% of family physicians reported experiencing burnout in 2022 with the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbating this issue, with over 60% of family physicians indicating worsening mental health due to increased workloads and a lack of work-life balance.??

So how could we combat that?

Imagine a world where advanced AI could step into the role of a family doctor, providing personalized, efficient, and accessible care direction. The idea isn't far-fetched and could transform the way we approach healthcare.

Personalized Care - your healthcare concierge

AI has the potential to offer highly personalized care by analyzing vast amounts of data. From genetic information to lifestyle choices, AI could tailor treatment plans that are specifically designed for each individual. This level of personalization ensures that patients receive the most effective care possible. Imagine never having to book your primary services, i.e. annual physical, blood work, or milestone preventative health and wellness appointments. Or for seniors who are now quickly being left behind due to technology that requires them to punch data into a smartphone... now voice AI has arrived.??

Efficiency and Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of AI in healthcare is its efficiency. AI, as we know can process information much faster than humans, reducing wait times for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, AI can offer 24/7 accessibility through telehealth platforms, and cloud-based APPS that could make healthcare more convenient for patients.

Preventive Care and Early Detection

Enter the world of wearable monitoring devices... From heart to blood sugar levels... AI excels at identifying patterns and predicting outcomes. By continuously monitoring health data, AI can detect potential health issues before they become serious. This proactive approach to healthcare can lead to early intervention and better outcomes for patients.

Reducing Human Error

Human error is an inherent risk in healthcare. AI, with its precision and consistency, can minimize errors in diagnosis and treatment. This not only improves patient safety but can also enhance the overall quality of care. Family doctors spend a significant amount of time on paperwork and administrative tasks. On average, they devote about 17 to 19 hours per week to this.??And here is a stat... Medical errors during paperwork are a concern in family practice. Studies have shown that errors occur in about 23.6% of patient visits. AI could mitigate that risk.

Challenges and Considerations

While the old guard and status quo will say the risks outweigh the benefits I believe this is simply the fear of pivoting... The potential benefits are significant, despite obvious hurdles that will be overcome easily. AI must be integrated thoughtfully into healthcare systems, ensuring data privacy and addressing ethical concerns. Additionally, AI should complement, not replace, human healthcare providers, maintaining the essential human touch in healthcare is critical.

Conclusion

AI's role in healthcare is expanding, and its potential to revolutionize primary care is immense. By offering personalized, efficient, and accessible care, AI could transform the healthcare landscape, ensuring better outcomes for patients and practitioners.

The use of algorithms and machine learning to detect, diagnose, and treat disease has become a significant area of life sciences. Some believe it is the biggest healthcare revolution of the 21st century. AI could detect diseases early and make more accurate diagnoses more quickly than conventional means. In breast cancer, AI is enabling mammograms to be?reviewed 30 times faster with almost 100% accuracy, reducing the need for biopsies.

Now imagine the future... your AI Health Concierge has booked your annual physical and blood work at a state-of-the-art facility of the future. A care facility integrated as a healthcare ecosystem for the community. Walking into the lobby you simply tap your OHIP or Client Q Code from your phone and AI has done your intake. The physician is notified that you are on-site and is prepping for you... AI knows the approximate time required for the physical and has the blood lab in queue for you...??

Isn't it fascinating to consider a future where AI is an integral part of our healthcare journey?