Humanism in the age of AI

PLX Academy · Blog

In the face of numerous challenges, one undeniable truth remains: patients are increasingly integrating technology into their daily lives and are actively seeking its incorporation into medical services. Investors, too, continue to pour resources into technology and scientific advancements, driven by the undeniable benefits and positive outcomes for all involved parties. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that technology will never fully replace the indispensable role of physicians, as emphasized by Dr. David Asch, a professor at the Wharton Business School. Dr. Asch’s insights shed light on the limitations of machines and AI, which lack the capacity for critical thinking, reasoning, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of medical care, not to mention the emotional and social context of each patient.

As healthcare providers embrace the opportunities presented by digital advancements, one profound advantage emerges: the potential to cultivate meaningful and trusting relationships with their patients. Research conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health reveals that, on average, primary care providers spend just 18 minutes with each patient. In a separate study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which encompassed 155,000 doctors across various specialties and 100 million patients, it was discovered that providers allocate approximately 16.25 minutes to administrative tasks related to electronic medical records. This leaves doctors with just around 5 minutes for actual examination and conversation with their patients, often insufficient to delve into the patient’s concerns and preferences.

In light of these challenges, recent research and practices underscore the importance of addressing not only medical diagnoses but also the profound psychological and social issues that patients, especially in an aging population and in the wake of the pandemic, are grappling with. To achieve positive medical outcomes, healthcare providers must incorporate these concerns as an integral part of the patient communication and care they deliver. Emerging standards of care should be proactive, holistic, and preventive, ensuring prompt and effective healthcare delivery.

One exemplar is Landmark Health, an innovator in senior home-based care. They report a remarkable 26% reduction in mortality among patients treated through their program, thanks to a multiperspective approach and a multidisciplinary care team.

 Dr. Cris Chen, the co-founder and CEO of ChenMed a digital health platform, recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the “Change the World” companies in 2020. advocates for a shift in the mindset of physicians, emphasizing a more humanistic and holistic approach to medicine. ChenMed takes this vision so seriously that they subject new doctors to an intensive “brainwashing course,” investing a rigorous six months to retrain their providers in thinking and practicing medicine differently. The commitment to this perspective is so resolute that doctors who do not pass this training do not make the cut.

In conclusion, the evolution of healthcare in the digital age necessitates a focus on the cultural, emotional, and relational aspects of healthcare delivery, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that aligns with the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

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