Doctors and nurses are much enthusiased for the integration of generative AI technology to enhance clinical decision-making., according to recent report by Elsevier Health titled “Clinician of the Future 2023“.
The report emphasizes the pressing need to drive a technological shift in healthcare to alleviate workforce challenges and improve patient care.
CLINICIAN SUPPORT FOR GENERATIVE AI
Nearly half of all doctors and nurses express eagerness for physicians to utilize generative AI technology in the future to aid their clinical decision-making processes. This indicates a strong desire among healthcare professionals for advanced tools to support their work.
HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
The report underscores concerns about resource shortages in healthcare systems globally, particularly clinician shortages. Nurse shortages remain a top priority in North America and Europe, with 54% of clinicians emphasizing the need to address this issue. Interestingly, 45% of respondents also acknowledge the urgency of tackling doctor shortages, highlighting the demand for innovative solutions like generative AI to address these challenges.
Empowering Clinicians
Jan Herzhoff, President of Elsevier Health, emphasizes the role of advanced technology and generative AI in empowering clinicians. Equipping healthcare professionals with tools and training for clinical decision support can enable them to allocate more time to patient care, emphasizing the human aspect of healthcare.
CLINICIAN ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY
The report reveals that clinicians see themselves as needing to become proficient in the use of digital health technologies. Around 73% of clinicians agree that this skill will be desirable in the next 2-3 years.
FUTURE OF GENERATIVE AI
While only 11% of clinical decisions currently involve the use of generative AI tools, 48% of respondents believe that physicians using these tools for clinical decisions will be desirable in 2-3 years. China emerges as particularly optimistic about iits adoption.
TELEHEALTH ADOPTION
Clinicians anticipate having fewer in-person interactions by 2028, with 55% finding it desirable for telehealth to be the primary method for routine check-ups in 2-3 years’ time.
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Over half (51%) of clinicians welcome the prospect of medical students using the tools as part of their education in the next 2-3 years. However, clinicians from the UK and the US are more reserved about this prospect.
The report reflects the growing recognition among healthcare professionals of the potential of generative AI and other emerging technologies to innovate global healthcare and improve patient care. As healthcare systems move toward a more digital-first approach, the study demonstrates that the workforce acknowledges how these technologies can benefit both current and future healthcare practices.
Josh Schoeller, President of Global Clinical Solutions at Elsevier, reaffirms the company’s commitment to supporting clinicians through responsible AI use and continuous product enhancement to create efficiencies that prioritize delivering life-saving care.
