Who makes the important decisions?

In June, my grandmother turned 100 years old. She would not have reached this milestone birthday without powerful life-saving technology and innovations in healthcare. I also know that she would not have reached her 100th birthday without her deep faith and making choices that were best for herself and our family. Sometimes her choices were difficult; but, they resulted in a wonderful life with great outcomes. For Nana, human decision-making is always at the centre.

Despite the many innovations and discoveries, we still have significant healthcare problems to solve. People worldwide need huge improvements that require a combination of human judgement, powerful technologies, and trade-offs.

Healthcare is an evolving industry with advancements in technology playing a major role. Technology can analyse huge amounts of data in mere seconds, but it cannot replace the human connection between a doctor and a patient. When a person is sick or in pain, they need more than a diagnosis or a simple prescription - they need someone who can listen to them, understand their needs, and create a treatment course based on data?and?emotional intelligence.?

We can assist medical professionals and caregivers in making improved decisions that lead to quality outcomes and positive results. For example, technology can provide up-to-date clinical data at the time of diagnosis, helping clinicians have the latest information and medical knowledge which will help reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.?

Technology can also improve access to healthcare, particularly in remote or underserved areas. GP appointments available via FaceTime and telemedicine, for example, allow patients to connect with doctors and healthcare professionals remotely, providing access that may not have been possible before.?

Additionally, technology can help reduce healthcare costs by automating tasks, reducing errors, and streamlining processes for governments, private payers and providers, and patients.

While my grandmother did not always understand or appreciate the technologies that were improving healthcare outcomes, she knew it could never replace the human touch. As technology-use in healthcare continues to evolve, it is important to find a balance between its uses and the need for human centred decision-making and choice.?

I want us to remember that no matter how much we rely on these powerful tools and systems, the problems we?choose?to solve and the choices we make are our own.?

The future is ours to write, and that is my most profound wish for the 2023 graduates of?the University of Portsmouth.