In recent years, the healthcare industry has experienced rapid transformation fueled by technological advancement. From electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine to automation and artificial intelligence (AI), technology is already revolutionizing healthcare.
But how will this reshape the healthcare employment landscape? And is technology the solution to the industry’s growing talent shortage?
According to one recent study, 99% of industry leaders believe that it’s critical to their organizations to actively invest in digital transformation. In fact, 84% say that their workforce is required to use at least some digital health tools.
Needless to say, these innovations are not only reshaping existing health professions, but creating new roles in healthcare. Let’s take a look!
Here are a few of the ways that technology is likely to alter the roles and responsibilities of existing healthcare professions.
First of all, no technology can replace the expertise and empathy delivered by healthcare providers. However, what technologies like AI can do is minimize the time they spend on routine administrative tasks like record documentation, which—according to the National Institute of Health—currently devours 35% (more than one-third!) of physicians’ time.
In addition, AI will continue to enhance providers’ diagnostic capabilities and clinical decision-making processes. Similarly, robotic devices—already used by surgeons, particularly in minimally invasive procedures—will be leveraged in increasingly sophisticated ways.
And yes, robots are already in use by some hospital nurses to transport and deliver supplies, cutting down on the 3-5 miles most nurses walk in any given shift. In short, technology may alleviate burnout, while allowing providers to spend more time on direct patient care.
Automated prescription dispensing systems are becoming more and more common. As a result, pharmacists and technicians may soon be focusing on the oversight and management of these systems, rather than dispensing medications directly, freeing them to spend more time in discussion with patients.
While fewer than half of radiographers surveyed report using AI today, many expect to do so in the near future. Soon, they may find their roles shifting towards overseeing AI-assisted functions, which may improve workflows and recordkeeping.
In lieu of paper-based recordkeeping and data entry, medical records technicians will increasingly use technology like AI and automation to manage and organize information, resulting in more accurate, consistent data.
Some hospitals are already using robots to transport meals and supplies, scrub floors, clean rooms and perform basic tasks in hospital kitchens. Because staffing such hourly positions is an ongoing challenge for many hospitals, automation offers an intriguing solution.