Rafael Ortega 26
The Future of Communication in Medicine
Suggested Reading 1 Bhardwaj, A. (2017). Alignment between physicians and hospital administrators: Historical perspective and future directions. Hospital Practice, 45(3), 81–87. DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2017.1327302 2 Cohn, K. H., Gill, S. L., & Schwartz, R. W. (2005). Gaining hospital administrators’ attention: Ways to improve physician– hospital management dialogue. Surgery, 137(2), 132–140. DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2004.09.006 3 DeChant, P. (2021). Building Bridges Between Practicing Physicians and Administrators. AMA EdHub. Retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://edhub. ama-assn.org/steps-forward/ module/2780305 4 Dhand, S. (2019). How to communicate with the hospital administrator. MedicalEconomics. Retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://www.medicaleconomics. com/view/how-communicate- hospital-administrator 5 Pauldine, R., & Dorman, T. (2006). Communication with the Administration. ICU Management & Practice, 6(1). Retrieved June 7, 2023, from https:// healthmanagement.org/c/icu/ issuearticle/communication-with- the-administration
Mauricio Gonzalez
Learning Objectives 1. Learn about personalized virtual assistants and their use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to provide tailored support and guidance to patients. 2. Explore the benefits of AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and voice assistants, in disseminating healthcare information and enhancing accessibility to knowledge and guidance. 3. Discover the role of robots in patient communication, including their potential for emotional support and facilitation of remote consultations for improved access to care.
Introduction The future of communication in medicine is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in AI and robotics. This final chapter explores the transformative potential of AI and robots in enhancing patient communication and care. Specifically, it delves into the utilization of personalized virtual assistants, chatbots, voice assistants, robotic companions, and robots that facilitate remote consultations. These emerging technologies have the power to revolutionize healthcare by improving patient engagement, access to information, and overall treatment outcomes. Virtual/Voice Assistants and Chatbots Personalized virtual assistants are emerging as valuable tools, providing tailored support and information to patients. These virtual assistants leverage AI algorithms to understand patients’ unique needs, preferences, and medical histories. By offering personalized guidance and reminders, virtual assistants enhance patient engagement and self-management, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes. Additionally, chatbots and voice assistants have become integral in healthcare information dissemination. Chatbots, powered
by AI, engage in interactive conversations with patients, answering their queries, providing relevant information, and offering guidance. Voice assistants, such as those integrated into smart speakers, enable patients to access healthcare information through voice commands, enhancing accessibility and convenience. These AI-powered tools serve as valuable resources, empowering patients with knowledge and guidance at their fingertips. Robots and Patient Communication Moving on to the utilization of robots in patient communication, we explore the remarkable potential of robotic companions. These robots, designed to provide emotional support, have demonstrated promising results in healthcare settings. By leveraging AI and robotics, these companions can engage in empathetic conversations, offer companionship, and even assist with therapeutic activities. The presence of robotic companions has been shown to alleviate anxiety, loneliness, and stress, contributing to improved emotional well-being among patients. Furthermore, robots are increasingly being used to facilitate remote consultations, particularly in scenarios where physical proximity is challenging. These robots act as intermediaries, connecting healthcare providers with patients
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