AI could cut doctors' paperwork burden as global health worker shortage looms: Report

Artificial intelligence could help ease the pressure on doctors by taking over some of the repetitive paperwork and administrative tasks that take up valuable time as healthcare systems around the world face a growing shortage of workers according to a report by QuickBloxThe report highlighted a widening gap between the number of healthcare workers available and the demand for careThe World Health Organization has also warned that the world could face a shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030 with the problem expected to be particularly serious in regions where healthcare systems are already under pressureAgainst this backdrop the report mentioned that technology can help existing healthcare staff handle more patients by reducing some of the work that does not require their direct clinical attentionThe report highlighted documentation and coding as areas where AI could make a difference Notetaking and coding are described as some of the most exhausting parts of a clinicians jobAI tools can assist by preparing clinical documentation for doctors to review instead of requiring them to create every note manuallyInefficiency in healthcare doesnt exist in isolationit collides with something bigger the workforce gap said Nate MacLeitch CEO of QuickBloxHe said Put simply the numbers dont add up The current system cant hold Without telemedicine platforms for providers that help patients connect to the right clinician at the right moment reformsno matter how wellmeaningwill fall short And if we dont introduce tools that ease the paperwork and admin load the staff left behind will keep burning outQuickBloxs report also shared that its QConsultation platform includes an AIenabled scribe that can draft SOAP notes and suggest ICD10 and CPT codes for review by clinicians It stresses that doctors remain in control of the final documentationThe potential benefit goes beyond saving time The report also shared example of Kaiser Permanentes rollout across 600 offices and 40 hospitals saying AI scribes improved accuracy and allowed physicians to be more present with patientsThe report described this as a shift in how AI can be used in healthcare rather than replacing medical professionals it can take care of repetitive tasks so they can spend more time on patientsThe report also looked into the problem from the other end of the healthcare system It stated patients are often directed to the wrong part of the system creating unnecessary appointments repeated assessments and additional pressure on cliniciansIts broader argument is that AI can help at both ends by helping patients reach the right care and by reducing the documentation burden on healthcare professionals once they are providing that careThe reports central message is that AIs role in healthcare is not about replacing doctors Instead it could help healthcare systems make better use of the workers they already have at a time when the number of available professionals may not be enough to meet future demandThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever