Many entrepreneurs praise automation as a way to increase productivity while reducing costs. Medical companies, in particular, are excited to implement this technology into their workflows in an attempt to reduce errors and increase satisfaction. For example, automation can improve precision during surgery, reduce misdiagnosis, and increase the number of patients treated.
Unfortunately, despite all the advantages, automated medical systems suffer from a few glaring flaws. Despite being lauded as solutions that could eliminate human errors, robots may actually cause numerous operational issues. We should consider algorithmic bias, workforce displacement, and long-term deterioration of human care, all of which are nightmarish scenarios for governments.In this article, we will take a look at different automation systems and how they help or hinder both medical institutions and patients. Among other things, we will examine algorithmic bias and potential problems that might arise due to deskilling.
Algorithmic Errors
Many hospitals have already implemented AI-driven software that would warn medical staff about abnormal test results and potential drug interactions. AI technology, coupled with wearables and other gadgets, can monitor a large number of patients in real time. That way, you can get notified about any major change, allowing you to react promptly.In theory, these systems could easily beat human staff as long as they’re fed accurate data. Quick, precise data processing allows you to automatically diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of cases, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Unfortunately, the problem occurs when staffers start becoming too dependent on this software. They can start accepting its conclusions without second thought, which can lead to numerous false positives and negatives. Even worse, they might experience “alert fatigue,” where they become slowly overwhelmed by the large number of notifications they receive from these programs.
Data shows that clinicians ignore from 90% to 95% of alerts generated by EHR systems. As a result, they even ignore patients in a critical condition. The reason behind all these issues lies in the differences between humans and robots. Unlike humans, robots don’t get tired of monitoring patients around the clock and sending notifications.
The Deskilling Issues
Extensive use of automation could have devastating consequences for the entire healthcare system. Instead of honing their skills through hands-on experience, doctors are slowly delegating their responsibilities to software and advanced equipment. Unlike their predecessors, who became experts by tackling a wide variety of cases, future medical staff might become overly reliant on these systems.The problem is that just about every field of medicine is threatened by this phenomenon. Whether you’re a surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist, or some other professional, you can forfeit your autonomy to one of these machines.
It is worth noting that deskilling due to automation isn’t exclusive to medicine. We’re seeing it across the board, from finances to IT and civil engineering. The only way to address the issue is to become more aware of it and, potentially, for the government to enact the new laws.
Algorithmic Bias
Systems based on artificial intelligence are far from perfect. One of their biggest, glaring flaws is algorithmic bias stemming from the underlying data. In other words, how well (or poorly) software performs depends on the information available to it. For example, if these systems haven’t been updated for 10 years, they wouldn’t take into account the latest scientific breakthroughs.Perhaps the most noticeable example of algorithmic bias is related to the underrepresentation of certain groups. The software tends to treat all groups equally; in other words, it assigns the same risks to the elderly as it does to the younger population. Besides poor risk assessment, this can lead to deprioritization of care and misclassification of symptoms.
Loss of Jobs
For the longest time, the healthcare industry was considered a field where you could always land a job. Whether you’re a nurse, a physician, or a pharmacist, there are numerous positions across the USA that you can explore. The data even indicated that demand will continue to rise as the population ages.Unfortunately, artificial intelligence threw a wrench into these plans. Automation was especially noticeable among administrative workers, a position historically held by people of color and women. As large hospitals and clinics adopt AI-based solutions, the need for human entry will decrease.
Although the clinical workforce is less affected, the consequences are also felt among practitioners. Automated software reduces the need for monitoring and continuous doctor visits. The direct care and soothing that nurses provided back in the day are now considered ineffective and a waste of resources.
What to Do as a Patient?
Unfortunately, if you’re a patient, your hands will be tied in most cases. Artificial intelligence software, robotics, and other forms of automation have stopped being isolated phenomena a while ago. If something were to happen, the best you can do is sue a hospital or clinic, but that would reverse the physical and emotional damage you’ve suffered.As a result, many people nowadays turn to patient advocacy. With the right medical representative, you can learn more about the upcoming procedure and the role of automation. A patient advocate can explain the differences between treatment by a human doctor and by a robot, which will help you choose the right solution. On top of that, patient advocates can help you with insurance and all the other paperwork.
Besides hiring external professionals, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to examine alternatives on your own. Take some time before any major procedure to consult different physicians and explore other treatments. If you’re especially afraid of automated solutions, you can always find a clinic that does things the old-fashioned way.
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