[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1990},["ShallowReactive",2],{"category-tmf":3},{"category":4,"posts":39,"featured":1988,"ebooks":1989},{"id":5,"count":6,"description":7,"link":8,"name":9,"slug":10,"taxonomy":11,"parent":12,"meta":13,"acf":14,"z_taxonomy_image_url":15,"yoast_meta":16,"taxonomy_image":7,"_links":18},7079,162,"","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fcategory\u002Ftmf\u002F","TMF","tmf","category",0,[],[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fplugins\u002Fcategories-images\u002Fassets\u002Fimages\u002Fplaceholder.png",{"yoast_wpseo_title":17,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":7},"TMF - The Medical Futurist",{"self":19,"collection":25,"about":28,"wp:post_type":31,"curies":34},[20],{"href":21,"targetHints":22},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories\u002F7079",{"allow":23},[24],"GET",[26],{"href":27},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories",[29],{"href":30},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftaxonomies\u002Fcategory",[32],{"href":33},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts?categories=7079",[35],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",true,[40,205,310,445,585,705,829,927,1034,1145,1267,1386,1513,1635,1761,1880],{"id":41,"date":42,"date_gmt":43,"guid":44,"modified":42,"modified_gmt":43,"slug":46,"status":47,"type":48,"link":49,"title":50,"content":52,"excerpt":55,"author":57,"featured_media":58,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":61,"categories":62,"tags":65,"project_category":69,"contact_email_category":72,"yst_prominent_words":73,"class_list":79,"better_featured_image":94,"acf":137,"yoast_meta":154,"_links":156},57249,"2026-08-10T09:49:45","2026-08-10T07:49:45",{"rendered":45},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=57249&_wpnonce=6e9617ead1&status=auto-draft&type=post","best-examples-of-digital-health-for-patients-with-intellectual-disability","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fbest-examples-of-digital-health-for-patients-with-intellectual-disability",{"rendered":51},"Best Examples Of Digital Health For Patients With Intellectual Disability",{"rendered":53,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Caring for someone with intellectual disabilities presents unique challenges, primarily because caregivers often face uncertainty about the well-being of those they care for. It can be difficult to ascertain if they are experiencing pain, discomfort, or needs they can’t communicate. Existing digital health solutions can play new, unusual roles to help us protect our loved ones. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Intellectual disability is a condition that limits intelligence and disrupts abilities necessary for living independently. Signs of this lifelong condition appear during childhood, most people with this will need some degree of assistance throughout their lives. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this context, the often-cited digital health advancements hold significant promise: new technologies may bridge the communication gaps or compensate for missing abilities. New devices and solutions not only ease the daily lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers but also provide added protection and comfort. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6667\" height=\"3750\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2.png\" alt=\"tremor, tremors, digital health, Parkinson's, essential tremors\" class=\"wp-image-55799\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2.png 6667w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_412-v2-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 6667px) 100vw, 6667px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this article, we will explore how the future of digital health technologies, including artificial intelligence, can help life for people living with intellectual disabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>AI to improve job skills\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedium.com\u002Fraising-a-beautiful-mind\u002Fwhat-generative-ai-could-mean-for-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-79d3caa954e6\">heartwarming story by a parent\u003C\u002Fa> of a child with DiGeorge syndrome is a great reminder of what profound effects technology can have. Their child’s genetic condition has led to significant intellectual challenges, limiting her opportunities for employment and self-sufficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As their daughter approaches adulthood, the family is transitioning from managing major medical issues to finding employment, securing Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and Medicaid. However, her significant deficits in communication, English, and math present major hurdles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The father shares an inspiring perspective on the role of generative AI in overcoming these challenges. “Generative AI can help people like my daughter communicate and learn by creating personalized tools and platforms tailored to her individual needs,” he writes. “These tools can help her communicate more easily, learn new skills, and improve her general academic and job performance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Apps and virtual learning environments \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Various software, apps, and learning solutions can generate a safe environment in which essential life skills can be learned and practiced. This includes learning new skills, practicing everyday situations, or learning to recognise potentially dangerous situations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F283049001_Self-Reporting_Tool_on_Pain_in_People_with_Intellectual_Disabilities_STOP-ID_A_Usability_Study\">This usability study\u003C\u002Fa> reported an online tool called STOP-ID! designed to help adults with Down syndrome self-report pain. The study found that participants could better recognize representations of pain location and emotional impact than pain intensity or quality. While only a small percentage could use the tool completely independently, half were able to report at least one aspect of their pain without assistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another great example is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3986980\u002F\">a telemonitoring tool\u003C\u002Fa> based on computer games, aimed at money management skill improvement for people with intellectual disabilities, especially Down Syndrome. The app helps them learn basic skills of daily life, such as money management and recognising different coins, and it allows them to practice processes like paying and getting change back. On the other hand, it has a “supervising” feature that lets professionals follow the results of people with ID they are in charge of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The web application \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.unsw.edu.au\u002Fnewsroom\u002Fnews\u002F2020\u002F08\u002Fnew-digital-tool-supports-mental-health-assessment-of-people-wit\">called MySigns\u003C\u002Fa> was one of very few e-health tools for people with intellectual disability. Despite the fact that they are more likely to experience mental health issues than people without intellectual disability, mental health service access for this group is poor. Sadly, the app was discontinued at the end of last year. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_eliminating-waiting-times-hospital.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47078\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_eliminating-waiting-times-hospital.png 1280w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_eliminating-waiting-times-hospital-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_eliminating-waiting-times-hospital-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A number of studies \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F229617189_The_effective_use_of_virtual_environments_in_the_education_and_rehabilitation_of_students_with_intellectual_disabilities\">have shown\u003C\u002Fa> that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fscholar.google.com\u002Fscholar_lookup?journal=IJVR&title=Development+and+evaluation+of+the+virtual+city&volume=4&publication_year=1999&pages=28-41&\">virtual learning environments\u003C\u002Fa> – imagine a virtual city with houses, stores, cafes, public transport, and a hospital for example -, are great tools to support learning for people with intellectual disabilities. “Virtual environments appear to be a fruitful method of teaching skills for independent living to people with intellectual disabilities. Initial studies demonstrate that learning in this way transfers to the real-life situation in which the skills are required.“ Such methods can be used\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F12182802\u002F\"> to teach real-life hazards\u003C\u002Fa>, such as the everyday dangers of using a kitchen. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Tools that take care of our beloved one\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital health solutions can also help caregivers have a piece of mind by creating a safe(r) environment. This includes a wide range of solutions. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpathfindersforautism.org\u002Fresources\u002Fsafety\u002Ftracking-devices\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>GPS trackers and wearables\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> can be used to alert a caregiver if a vulnerable person leaves the house\u002Fapartment. These can be worn as watches, bracelets, or even embedded in clothing. They track the wearer’s location, and some devices can even send alerts if the person leaves a designated safe zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fjournals.sagepub.com\u002Fdoi\u002F10.1177\u002F14604582211052848\">\u003Cstrong>Smart medication dispersers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> automate medication management, ensuring that individuals take the correct dosage at the right time. They can also send reminders to caregivers if a dose is missed, some even allow remote monitoring, so caregivers can track medication adherence in real time. Theoretically, such future solutions could also be programmed to not open if the day’s dose was already taken, preventing accidental overdoses. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fall detection sensors\u003C\u002Fstrong> automatically alert caregivers if a fall is detected, these are already used in elderly care facilities but can be also used at home. These can detect falls and automatically alert caregivers and\u002For emergency services. Some systems work with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncoa.org\u002Fproduct-resources\u002Fmedical-alert-systems\u002Fbest-medical-alert-systems-fall-detection\u002F\">wearable sensors\u003C\u002Fa>, while others have \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fkeplervision.eu\u002Fen\u002F\">camera systems and AI algorithms\u003C\u002Fa> to monitor the surroundings. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Wearable health monitors \u003C\u002Fstrong>can track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, alerting caregivers to any potential health concerns. They can also monitor sleep patterns and activity levels, and we have also seen an \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mdoloris.com\u002Fproducts-mdoloris\u002Fani-guardian\u002F\">ingenious wearable\u003C\u002Fa> that lets caregivers know whether their non-communicative patient is in comfort or pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F220_tmf-01.png\" alt=\"TicWatch review 2020, wearable, smartwatch\" class=\"wp-image-31081\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F220_tmf-01.png 1920w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F220_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F220_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F11\u002F220_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Speech-generating devices\u003C\u002Fstrong> come in many \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.especialneeds.com\u002Fshop\u002Fassistive-technology\u002Faac-communication.html\">shapes and sizes\u003C\u002Fa>. Some are capable of transmitting a single, verbal message (like: “hungry”), some types can play two messages. Others can go up to 32, with icons representing the various choices. These can look like tablets, but can also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenablingdevices.com\u002Fproduct-category\u002Fcommunication-devices\u002Fwearable-communicators\u002F\">be wearables\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Social robots\u003C\u002Fstrong> can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsocial-robots-are-robotic-pets-any-worse-than-the-real-ones\u002F\">provide companionship\u003C\u002Fa> and assist with daily tasks. They can be programmed to remind individuals of their routines, engage them in conversations, and even play games to keep them mentally active and socially engaged. Although \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC9216612\u002F\">the scientific literature is yet small\u003C\u002Fa>, it seems that they are generally well-accepted by many intellectually disabled groups. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Due to their vulnerability, our relatives and friends living with intellectual disabilities require enhanced protection and care, where digital health tools can provide significant assistance. This is an especially exciting area because it often reveals how existing solutions can take on new, critical roles beyond their conventional uses. A great example is the generative AI mentioned at the beginning of this article, but even a GPS sensor or a wearable health tracker can serve slightly different, yet perhaps even more important functions than we typically imagine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"rendered":56,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Existing digital health solutions can take on new, critical roles beyond their conventional uses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,57265,"closed","standard",{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63,64],504,496,[66,67,68],207,7975,134,[70,71],950,951,[],[74,75,76,77,78],1559,1571,1583,1617,3005,[80,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93],"post-57249","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tmf","category-artificial-intelligence","category-health-sensors-trackers","tag-digital-health","tag-intellectual-disabilities","tag-ai","project_category-medical-professionals","project_category-patients",{"id":58,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":96,"post":41,"source_url":136},"image",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":99,"filesize":100,"sizes":101,"image_meta":133},6667,3750,"2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2.png",1313757,{"medium":102,"large":109,"thumbnail":115,"medium_large":120,"1536x1536":121,"2048x2048":127},{"file":103,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":107,"source_url":108},"tmf_article_425-v2-370x208.png",370,208,"image\u002Fpng",27518,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2-370x208.png",{"file":110,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":113,"source_url":114},"tmf_article_425-v2-768x432.png",768,432,74273,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2-768x432.png",{"file":116,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":118,"source_url":119},"tmf_article_425-v2-150x150.png",150,13075,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2-150x150.png",{"file":110,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":113,"source_url":114},{"file":122,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":125,"source_url":126},"tmf_article_425-v2-1536x864.png",1536,864,213936,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2-1536x864.png",{"file":128,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":131,"source_url":132},"tmf_article_425-v2-2048x1152.png",2048,1152,340367,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":135},"0",[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_425-v2.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_posts_footer":139,"related_posts":54,"related_books":143,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":147},"subscribe",[140,141,142],57079,57059,14811,[144,145,146],24762,37033,24761,[148,150,152],{"title":149},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital health technologies, AI-powered tools and wearable devices, enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities by improving communication, bridging missing skills, and increasing safety.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":151},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supportive technologies, like remote monitoring systems and various sensors can provide peace of mind to caregivers and create a safer, more manageable environment.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":153},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We collected very diverse applications and areas where digital health solutions can help people with intellectual disabilities.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":51,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":155,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":49},"When caring about someone with intellectual disability, existing digital health solutions can take on new, critical roles beyond their conventional uses",{"self":157,"collection":162,"about":165,"author":168,"replies":171,"version-history":174,"predecessor-version":178,"wp:featuredmedia":182,"wp:attachment":185,"wp:term":188,"curies":203},[158],{"href":159,"targetHints":160},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57249",{"allow":161},[24],[163],{"href":164},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[166],{"href":167},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[169],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[172],{"embeddable":38,"href":173},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=57249",[175],{"count":176,"href":177},8,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57249\u002Frevisions",[179],{"id":180,"href":181},58677,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57249\u002Frevisions\u002F58677",[183],{"embeddable":38,"href":184},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F57265",[186],{"href":187},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=57249",[189,191,194,197,200],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":190},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=57249",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":193},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=57249",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":196},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=57249",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":199},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=57249",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":202},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=57249",[204],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":206,"date":207,"date_gmt":208,"guid":209,"modified":211,"modified_gmt":212,"slug":213,"status":47,"type":48,"link":214,"title":215,"content":217,"excerpt":219,"author":57,"featured_media":221,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":222,"categories":223,"tags":226,"project_category":227,"contact_email_category":228,"yst_prominent_words":229,"class_list":230,"better_featured_image":234,"acf":258,"yoast_meta":266,"_links":268},61047,"2026-07-31T10:39:33","2026-07-31T08:39:33",{"rendered":210},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=61047&_wpnonce=3155b40385&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-31T14:38:21","2026-07-31T12:38:21","science-needs-a-better-way-to-think-about-the-future","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fscience-needs-a-better-way-to-think-about-the-future",{"rendered":216},"Science Needs A Better Way To Think About The Future",{"rendered":218,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Our new \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fd41586-026-02231-y\">Nature Comment\u003C\u002Fa> introduces “\u003Cstrong>translational foresight\u003C\u002Fstrong>”: a framework for bringing futures methods into the everyday machinery of science.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Every research programme is, in one way or another, a bet on the future. When a university builds a new laboratory, when a funding agency commits millions to a research programme, when a medical school redesigns its curriculum, or when researchers decide which technologies deserve years of investigation, they are making assumptions about what the future will look like. They assume certain technologies will mature, that particular skills will become important, that regulators will accept new approaches, that patients and the public will trust them, and that infrastructure built today will still make sense years from now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Yet these assumptions are rarely made explicit. This is the problem we address in our new Comment published in Nature, “The science of foresight: how to future-proof your research.” Together with Tamás Kristóf, Josip Car, Joseph Sung and Tien Yin Wong, we argue that science needs a systematic way to examine the futures it is already implicitly betting on. We call this approach translational foresight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not predicting the future, but preparing for it\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The problem is not that scientists cannot predict the future. They should not be expected to. The future is inherently uncertain, particularly in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, genomics, biotechnology and digital health. The problem is that scientific institutions often make long-term decisions while treating the assumptions behind those decisions as if they were fixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The COVID-19 pandemic offered an extreme example. Research organisations and healthcare systems suddenly had to accelerate vaccine development, expand telemedicine, move education online, redeploy healthcare professionals and deal with questions of public trust, surveillance and vaccination. Many of these challenges could not have been predicted in detail, but the possibility of a global health crisis, workforce disruption, rapidly scaling remote healthcare and widespread public distrust could certainly have been explored beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Artificial intelligence presents a similar challenge today. Universities, healthcare institutions and research organisations already need to make decisions about AI validation, research integrity, workforce preparation, regulation and governance. They must do so before decades of evidence become available. Waiting for certainty is therefore not an option. The alternative is not prediction. It is foresight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Futures studies already has mature methods for systematically examining possible change. These include horizon scanning, scenario analysis, forecasting, backcasting and tools for exploring the second- and third-order consequences of emerging trends. Such approaches are widely used in policy, government and parts of industry, but they remain surprisingly peripheral to everyday scientific practice. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Our proposal is to bring these methods inside the scientific process itself.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Foresight should not sit somewhere outside science, producing reports about what the future might look like. It should help researchers decide what to investigate, fund, build, teach, validate and evaluate. That is what we mean by translational foresight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Translational medicine has done it before\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There is an important historical parallel here. By the late twentieth century, biomedical science had become extraordinarily good at generating discoveries, but there was a growing recognition that scientific discoveries did not automatically translate into better patient outcomes. A gap existed between the laboratory and the clinic. That led to the rise of translational medicine and concepts such as “bench to bedside.” The scientific ecosystem gradually adapted. New funding programmes appeared, institutions dedicated to translational research were created, training programmes changed, and researchers increasingly considered how discoveries could move towards practical impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We believe a similar gap exists today. Futures research already provides sophisticated ways to analyse uncertainty, emerging trends and alternative futures, but those outputs rarely translate into the mechanisms governing science itself. Hence the term translational foresight. The goal is to translate plausible futures into better scientific decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One concern about futures thinking is that it can sound abstract. It does not have to be. Imagine a research group preparing a five-year grant application. Normally, the team proposes a research plan based on what its members currently know. With a foresight layer added, they might also ask what would happen if a competing technology developed much faster than expected, if regulation changed, if access to an essential dataset became restricted, if the platform on which the research depended became obsolete, or if public acceptance developed differently than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The team does not need to create a perfect prediction. Instead, it identifies which assumptions the project depends on and which signals would indicate that those assumptions are beginning to fail. The research plan becomes more adaptive as a result. That is a fundamentally different way of thinking about scientific robustness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In our Nature Comment, we deliberately included practical methods that researchers could apply without becoming professional futurists. One is the Futures Wheel, which maps the direct and indirect consequences of a development. Take the statement that AI can now co-author scientific papers. What happens next, and what happens because of those consequences? Mapping those ripple effects can reveal opportunities, risks and unintended consequences that are easy to miss when examining only the technology itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another tool is scenario analysis. Instead of asking what will happen, researchers construct several plausible future environments and test whether their strategy works across them. Backcasting reverses the direction of thinking: researchers imagine a desired future outcome, perhaps the state of their discipline in 2035, and work backwards to identify what would need to happen to get there. We also describe a method we call Stump the Futurist, in which researchers actively try to break a future claim by identifying failure modes, missing variables and hidden assumptions. The point of all these exercises is not to make science speculative. It is almost the opposite. They force assumptions about the future to become explicit enough to be challenged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three steps towards translational foresight\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We propose three broad changes to scientific practice. First, futures methods should become part of ordinary scientific workflows. Researchers could stress-test projects before submitting grants, examine the possible consequences of new technologies and revisit assumptions as new evidence appears. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Second, futures literacy should become part of scientific education. Researchers learn statistics because they need to interpret uncertainty in data, and they learn methodology because they need to design rigorous experiments. We argue that they should also learn how to reason systematically about uncertainty in the future. Futures literacy could eventually become a basic scientific competency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Third, foresight should become institutionalised. Funding agencies, universities and research organisations could incorporate long-term assumptions and alternative futures into funding decisions, infrastructure planning and project evaluation. This is where the idea becomes much bigger than a workshop exercise. If funding systems begin asking researchers not only, “What do you expect to discover?” but also, “Under what future conditions would your assumptions stop being valid?”, the incentives of science itself start to change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This matters especially now because science has always had to deal with uncertainty, but the speed at which technological and societal conditions can transform is increasing. Artificial intelligence can reshape an entire research workflow within a few years. New biological tools can emerge faster than the regulatory structures surrounding them. Healthcare technologies can move from experimental to consumer products before institutions have decided how they should be evaluated. At the same time, scientific programmes themselves can take five, ten or twenty years to mature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I have spent much of my career trying to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jmir.org\u002F2024\u002F1\u002Fe57148\">make futures methods accessible\u003C\u002Fa> to medicine and healthcare. One recurring obstacle has been the misconception that thinking about the future means trying to predict it. It does not. The real goal is to improve decisions made today. A good foresight process does not tell researchers what the world will look like in 2035. It helps them understand which assumptions they are making about 2035, which of those assumptions matter most, how those assumptions might fail, and what they could do differently as a result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>That is a much more useful ambition, and one that science can realistically adopt. Our Nature Comment ends with a sentence that captures the idea:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n\u003Cp>“The twentieth century taught science how to translate discovery into impact. The twenty-first century must teach it how to translate plausible futures into better scientific decisions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>That is what translational foresight is ultimately about: not predicting science, but future-proofing the way we do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.nature.com\u002Fw1248\u002Fmagazine-assets\u002Fd41586-026-02231-y\u002Fd41586-026-02231-y_52981536.jpg?as=webp\">The Nature Comment: The science of foresight: how to future-proof your research, by Bertalan Meskó, Tamás Kristóf, Josip Car, Joseph Sung and Tien Yin Wong, published in Nature, Volume 655, 23 July 2026.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":220,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Our new Nature Comment introduces “translational foresight”: a framework for bringing futures methods into the everyday machinery of science. Every research programme is, in one […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",61051,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,224,225],6261,798,[],[],[],[],[231,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,232,233],"post-61047","category-forecast","category-digital-health-research",{"id":221,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":235,"post":206,"source_url":257},{"width":236,"height":237,"file":238,"filesize":239,"sizes":240,"image_meta":255},1500,643,"2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM.png",1395925,{"medium":241,"large":245,"thumbnail":250,"medium_large":254},{"file":242,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":243,"source_url":244},"ChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-370x208.png",109631,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-370x208.png",{"file":246,"width":111,"height":247,"mime-type":106,"filesize":248,"source_url":249},"ChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-768x329.png",329,339842,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-768x329.png",{"file":251,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":252,"source_url":253},"ChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-150x150.png",33799,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM-150x150.png",{"file":246,"width":111,"height":247,"mime-type":106,"filesize":248,"source_url":249},{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":256},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002FChatGPT-Image-Jul-31-2026-10_36_36-AM.png",{"cta_type":7,"cta_color":7,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":259,"related_books":54,"related_posts_footer":54,"related_posts":54},[260,262,264],{"title":261},"\u003Cp>Our new Nature Comment introduces “translational foresight”: a framework for bringing futures methods into the everyday machinery of science\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":263},"\u003Cp>The world in which a research programme begins may be very different from the one in which its results finally arrive. That makes the ability to systematically explore possible futures increasingly important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":265},"\u003Cp>This article summarizes the paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":267,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":7,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":214},"Science Needs A Better Way To Think About The Future - The Medical Futurist",{"self":269,"collection":274,"about":276,"author":278,"replies":280,"version-history":283,"predecessor-version":287,"wp:featuredmedia":291,"wp:attachment":294,"wp:term":297,"curies":308},[270],{"href":271,"targetHints":272},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F61047",{"allow":273},[24],[275],{"href":164},[277],{"href":167},[279],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[281],{"embeddable":38,"href":282},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=61047",[284],{"count":285,"href":286},2,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F61047\u002Frevisions",[288],{"id":289,"href":290},61057,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F61047\u002Frevisions\u002F61057",[292],{"embeddable":38,"href":293},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F61051",[295],{"href":296},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=61047",[298,300,302,304,306],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":299},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=61047",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":301},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=61047",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":303},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=61047",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":305},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=61047",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":307},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=61047",[309],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":311,"date":312,"date_gmt":313,"guid":314,"modified":316,"modified_gmt":317,"slug":318,"status":47,"type":48,"link":319,"title":320,"content":322,"excerpt":324,"author":326,"featured_media":327,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":328,"categories":329,"tags":332,"project_category":341,"contact_email_category":342,"yst_prominent_words":343,"class_list":349,"better_featured_image":361,"acf":387,"yoast_meta":400,"_links":402},49447,"2026-07-27T15:11:42","2026-07-27T13:11:42",{"rendered":315},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=49447&_wpnonce=4178d1c6cd&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-27T15:11:53","2026-07-27T13:11:53","6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F6-healthcare-examples-of-virtual-augmented-and-mixed-reality",{"rendered":321},"6 Healthcare Examples Of Virtual, Augmented And Mixed Reality",{"rendered":323,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Lately, there has been a tendency in the tech world to adopt “new” realities in their midst. Meta has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamesindustry.biz\u002Farticles\u002F2021-12-03-oculus-quest-to-rebrand-as-meta-quest-in-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a branch dedicated\u003C\u002Fa> to developing virtual reality (VR) hardware and software; earlier this year \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F1\u002F5\u002F23539328\u002Fhtc-vive-xr-elite-ar-vr-headset-pricing-launch-date-ces\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HTC unveiled\u003C\u002Fa> its new augmented reality (AR) glasses; while Apple is reportedly \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F1\u002F17\u002F23560097\u002Fapple-ar-vr-glasses-headset-rumor-mixed-reality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gearing up to launch\u003C\u002Fa> a mixed reality (MR) headset. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Collectively, VR, AR and MR fall under the umbrella term of extended reality (XR), which \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goldmansachs.com\u002Finsights\u002Fpages\u002Fvirtual-and-augmented-reality-report.html\" target=\"_blank\">analysts believe\u003C\u002Fa> holds the potential to be the next major computing platform. Such potentials have spillover effects into the medical field through digital health approaches, and healthcare practice is already adopting such XR approaches. We’ll take a look at examples of each, but first, let’s get acquainted with those “new realities” through the following:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes table table-striped table-bordered table-sm\">\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u003Cstrong>Term\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u003Cstrong>What it does\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Virtual Reality (VR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Completely shields the physical world from the user and immerses them in an interactive virtual environment\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Augmented Reality (AR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Superimposes the physical environment with virtual elements that have limited interaction \u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Mixed Reality (MR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Merges aspects from both VR and AR to incorporate virtual elements into the physical world with a wide range of interaction\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Extended Reality (XR)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">An umbrella term for technologies including VR, AR and MR\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Virtual reality: complete immersion for exposure therapy and pain management\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual reality might be the most popular form of XR as it has been popularised by the likes of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-the-metaverse-could-or-could-not-transform-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meta\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F4-examples-of-merging-gaming-digital-health\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gaming industry\u003C\u002Fa>. Traditionally, the technology is accessed through a dedicated headset that completely shields the wearer’s view and immerses them in a virtual world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"One-Minute Challenge: Virtual Reality - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FIVfmkds2PcQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The immersiveness that VR offers has made it an appropriate fit as a drug-free alternative for mental health care and pain management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the case of mental health, more specifically anxiety disorders, VR exposure therapy (VRET) –  which involves gradual exposure of a patient to an anxiety-inducing stimulus – has gained traction. Researchers found the approach \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F30892564\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can be effective\u003C\u002Fa> while also offering the potential for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC8742249\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">remote mental health access\u003C\u002Fa>, and thereby increasing accessibility. Already, companies like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ovrcome.io\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">oVRcome\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psylaris.com\u002Fen\u002Fexposure\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Psylaris\u003C\u002Fa> offer commercially-available VRET.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>VR has also been explored to reduce pain in labour and delivery by having the user visualise breathing and relaxation techniques. A study utilising such a method found that women who used VR during labour had \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ajog.org\u002Farticle\u002FS0002-9378(19)31425-5\u002Ffulltext\" target=\"_blank\">a statistically significant reduction\u003C\u002Fa> in pain. In subsequent studies, researchers \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fabs\u002Fpii\u002FS187757562200026X\" target=\"_blank\">found similar benefits\u003C\u002Fa> of VR-aided labour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Augmented reality: virtual elements for patient education and aiding surgery\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There might also be some familiarity with augmented reality as it is the technology employed behind the much-hyped Pokémon Go as well as Snapchat filters. AR can be accessed through a screen, which can be a smartphone or even glasses, that superimposes virtual elements onto the real world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While the technology is still maturing, AR already has some \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Faugmented-reality-in-healthcare-will-be-revolutionary\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">promising use cases in healthcare\u003C\u002Fa>. In fact, despite the budding aspect of the technology, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fpii\u002FS0738399122000982\" target=\"_blank\">researchers identified \u003C\u002Fa>the technology as potentially beneficial in patient education, whether it’s for nutritional or pre-operative information. UK-based company \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuturistic-forward-looking-and-fun-the-curiscope-virtuali-tee-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Curiscope\u003C\u002Fa> already manufactures commercially-available AR t-shirts that provide basic anatomy information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"My Organs In Augmented Reality! - The Medical Futurist\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FVXBks60oKw4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AR has also been put into practice on the surgical table itself. Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins University performed their first \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fclinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org\u002Fnews\u002Fjohns-hopkins-performs-its-first-augmented-reality-surgeries-in-patients\" target=\"_blank\">AR-assisted spinal fusion surgery\u003C\u002Fa> in 2020. Using a headset developed by Augmedics, surgeons could visualise CT scans of the patient’s internal anatomy without having to look at a separate screen. A similar procedure with the technology \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.hss.edu\u002Fmore-than-the-eye-can-see-hospital-for-special-surgery-first-in-nys-to-use-augmented-reality-guidance-in-spine-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">was successfully completed\u003C\u002Fa> in December 2022 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York State.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Mixed reality: training future doctors and assisting in hands-free medical consultations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When it comes to mixed reality, there are some overlaps with AR as it also supplements the actual world with virtual elements akin to holograms. But MR differs in that it adds an additional layer of depth and perspective to its virtual elements that enable further interactions that are not possible through AR. MR use has largely remained in the realm of industries – rather than for the general consumer – through devices such as the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmixed-reality-healthcare-hololens-review\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft Hololens\u003C\u002Fa> and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.magicleap.com\u002Fen-us\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magic Leap\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The former device has been adopted by Case Western Reserve University for several years in anatomy lessons. Accessed through the Hololens, their HoloAnatomy app enables students to view holograms of real body parts. The technology enabled first-year medical students to follow an all-remote anatomy course during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newswise.com\u002Farticles\u002Fglobal-first-in-mixed-reality-education-during-covid-19-pandemic\" target=\"_blank\">preferred this mode\u003C\u002Fa> as well as believed such MR methods can effectively teach anatomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Amidst the public health crisis, the Hololens was also put to use by doctors at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Physicians at the Trust \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.microsoft.com\u002Fen-gb\u002F2020\u002F05\u002F19\u002Fimperial-college-healthcare-nhs-trust-uses-microsoft-hololens-to-protect-doctors-and-reduce-need-for-ppe\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">employed the MR headset\u003C\u002Fa> to hold hands-free conversations with colleagues and patients while viewing medical notes and X-rays for clinical decision-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust uses mixed reality in the fight against COVID-19\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F8BvQVxB5CBE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We hope these examples helped illustrate the potential of XR technology in healthcare. Note that these were only 6 of the multitude of potential and implemented applications, and many more are expected to emerge in the near future. Are there any XR applications in healthcare that piqued your interest and weren’t featured in this article? Do share them with us!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":325,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Virtual, augmented and mixed reality all fall under the umbrella term of extended reality, and all are finding their way into healthcare. Let’s get acquainted with those “new realities” through examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",16,49459,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,330,331],493,514,[333,334,335,336,337,338,339,340],1066,1270,145,445,450,527,724,7771,[70],[],[74,344,345,346,347,348],1725,1731,1853,2303,3215,[350,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,351,352,353,354,355,356,357,358,359,360,92],"post-49447","category-augmented-reality","category-virtual-reality","tag-mr","tag-xr","tag-augmented-reality-2","tag-virtual-reality","tag-vr","tag-ar","tag-mixed-reality","tag-extended-reality",{"id":327,"alt_text":362,"caption":7,"description":362,"media_type":95,"media_details":363,"post":311,"source_url":386},"tmf VR AR MR virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, woman, headset, organ, heart",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":364,"filesize":365,"sizes":366,"image_meta":384},"2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01.png",1034404,{"medium":367,"large":371,"thumbnail":375,"medium_large":379,"1536x1536":380},{"file":368,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":369,"source_url":370},"tmf_article_354-01-370x208.png",35128,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-370x208.png",{"file":372,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":373,"source_url":374},"tmf_article_354-01-768x432.png",90942,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-768x432.png",{"file":376,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":377,"source_url":378},"tmf_article_354-01-150x150.png",18566,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-150x150.png",{"file":372,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":373,"source_url":374},{"file":381,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":382,"source_url":383},"tmf_article_354-01-1536x864.png",224032,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":385},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_354-01.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"subtitle":7,"related_books":388,"related_posts_footer":391,"related_posts":54,"key_takeaways":395},[389,146,390],24759,30419,[392,393,394],48979,48665,49015,[396,398],{"title":397},"\u003Cp>Collectively, VR, AR and MR fall under the umbrella term of extended reality (XR), which analysts believe holds the potential to be the next major computing platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":399},"\u003Cp>Such potentials have spillover effects into the medical field through digital health approaches, and healthcare practice is already adopting such XR approaches. We’ll take a look at examples of each!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":321,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":401,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":319},"Virtual, augmented and mixed reality are parts of extended reality. Let’s get friends with “new realities”, as their healthcare use is around the corner.",{"self":403,"collection":408,"about":410,"author":412,"replies":415,"version-history":418,"predecessor-version":422,"wp:featuredmedia":426,"wp:attachment":429,"wp:term":432,"curies":443},[404],{"href":405,"targetHints":406},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447",{"allow":407},[24],[409],{"href":164},[411],{"href":167},[413],{"embeddable":38,"href":414},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F16",[416],{"embeddable":38,"href":417},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=49447",[419],{"count":420,"href":421},12,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447\u002Frevisions",[423],{"id":424,"href":425},61037,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F49447\u002Frevisions\u002F61037",[427],{"embeddable":38,"href":428},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F49459",[430],{"href":431},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=49447",[433,435,437,439,441],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":434},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=49447",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":436},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=49447",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=49447",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":440},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=49447",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":442},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=49447",[444],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":446,"date":447,"date_gmt":448,"guid":449,"modified":451,"modified_gmt":452,"slug":453,"status":47,"type":48,"link":454,"title":455,"content":457,"excerpt":459,"author":57,"featured_media":461,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":462,"categories":463,"tags":466,"project_category":473,"contact_email_category":475,"yst_prominent_words":476,"class_list":481,"better_featured_image":492,"acf":531,"yoast_meta":541,"_links":543},51051,"2026-07-27T15:05:43","2026-07-27T13:05:43",{"rendered":450},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=51051&_wpnonce=97a14c9231&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-27T15:05:45","2026-07-27T13:05:45","health-equity-in-the-ai-and-digital-health-era-promise-or-peril","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhealth-equity-in-the-ai-and-digital-health-era-promise-or-peril",{"rendered":456},"Health Equity In The AI And Digital Health Era: Promise Or Peril?",{"rendered":458,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Will digital health and\u002For artificial intelligence improve health equity? This is one of the questions I most often get. Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. As this is going to be a lengthy analysis, here is the TL;DR summary: yes, digital health and AI will eventually very likely improve health equity. But it will take time; and during this transition period, it might even temporarily widen the gap. What is important to understand is that health equity through digital health is not a technological matter. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the long term, the critical question we need to answer is: does the introduction of technologies into healthcare, as part of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this cultural revolution\u003C\u002Fa>, increase or decrease people’s access to healthcare?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Theoretically, the introduction of technology should enhance access to healthcare. It assumes repetitive tasks, expedites onboarding for patients (making it simpler and quicker for them to receive aid from the moment a problem arises), and consequently liberates human resources, which has long been the healthcare systems’ bottleneck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, the caveat here is that these advantages will only be accessible to those who can access the technology. \u003Cstrong>Thus, the health equity gap is fundamentally a tech gap\u003C\u002Fstrong>. And this tech gap is in itself a wealth and an education gap. Therefore, at the end of the day, we are confronted with an enormously profound social issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>My team and I are working on the first part: facilitating a world where health equity issues are addressed through technology, which I believe is the most effective approach. But I\u002Fwe don’t have the means to influence the second part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwill-digital-health-widen-or-close-the-health-inequity-gap\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">earlier analysis of digital health equity\u003C\u002Fa>, I defined health equity as the state of affairs when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Imagine that digital health terminates the zip-code lottery\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Ideally, we all should live in a world where your health isn’t determined by your zip code, the amount of wealth you possess, or your level of education. Technology – specifically, digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) – is the principal architect of this equitable health utopia. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, transforming this vision into reality is a complex challenge. Technology’s role in healthcare can both enhance and potentially limit people’s access to healthcare services. Let’s explore this paradox further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While we can work diligently to enhance health equity via technology, addressing wealth and education gaps, critical prerequisites for effective technology adoption, is beyond our immediate control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>To put it bluntly, no matter how advanced the cardiological screening features are on the latest smartwatches, they are useless if their price exceeds an individual’s \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fworldpopulationreview.com\u002Fcountry-rankings\u002Fmedian-income-by-country\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cstrong>monthly or even annual wage\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cstrong>. The theoretical promise of an early alarm will never become a reality.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F213_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Can your smartwatch send you to the hospital?\" class=\"wp-image-30731\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F213_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F213_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F213_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F213_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to relate to this challenge? \u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The complex nature of this problem becomes obvious if you try to understand how different actors think about this phenomenon and what solutions they propose. Depending on where the specific stakeholder stands, their point of view – and their suggestions will be radically different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, the consulting firm, McKinsey, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mckinsey.com\u002Findustries\u002Flife-sciences\u002Four-insights\u002Fdigital-health-an-opportunity-to-advance-health-equity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">analyses the issue from a business angle\u003C\u002Fa>, offering accurate insights and valuable tips for companies grappling with this issue. However, these insights don’t mitigate the challenges faced by those who can’t afford the technology or services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The World Health Organization (WHO) posits this challenge as a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Feurope\u002Fpublications\u002Fi\u002Fitem\u002FWHO-EURO-2022-6810-46576-67595\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital health literacy issue\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While this is also correct, we need to take a step back as people do need the technology to use it, and if they don’t, their skill (or lack) of digital health literacy makes no difference. However, I like this conclusion from the WHO: “Yet a focus on digital approaches may inadvertently widen existing inequities in health if known inequalities in access, use and engagement with digital technology are not considered and addressed.” Also interesting is WHO’s conclusion that most studies do not take the complex nature of digital health equity into account and typically observe just one variable. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fbooks\u002FNBK580635\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">textbook chapter\u003C\u002Fa> also handles the case by focusing on the tech side – which again creates the same vacuum: we are leaving people without tech behind. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In response, several digital health equity frameworks have been proposed, such as the one presented in \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41746-022-00663-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nature Digital Medicine in 2022\u003C\u002Fa>. These frameworks underscore the digital determinants of health, which play a significant role in amplifying or mitigating health disparities in the digital age. For instance, an individual without a reliable internet connection or access to a device cannot benefit from the digital health revolution, regardless of how patient-centric or well-designed the healthcare application might be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_279-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35099\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_279-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_279-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_279-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_279-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Some projects are attempting to bridge the digital divide. For example, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.miragenews.com\u002Fgood-things-happening-to-support-digital-health-531756\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital health literacy initiative\u003C\u002Fa>, funded by the Australian Digital Health Agency, has trained and resourced 232 digital health mentors. Through their “Health My Way” program, community organizations teach digital health literacy skills, improving digital inclusion. As a result, 80% of participants reported increased digital health literacy skills and confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Many lives and percentage points of GDP are at stake\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The stakes of health inequity are high, and the socioeconomic implications are substantial. According to a report by the World Economic Forum in 2019, poor health costs the U.S. economy about $3.2 trillion per year from premature deaths and the loss of productive potential associated with diseases. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mckinsey.com\u002Fmgi\u002Foverview\u002Fin-the-news\u002Fpoor-health-reduces-global-gdp-by-15-percent-each-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This report estimated\u003C\u002Fa> that poor health reduces global GDP by 15% each year. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>On the flip side, equalizing healthcare access and quality has healthful effects on the economy at large. Digital technology could narrow the health equity gap by simplifying complex medical processes and removing travel barriers to healthcare access.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Figures indicate that underrepresented and\u002For disadvantaged (poor, rural, minority, women, LGBTQ, etc) groups have significantly less access to all the cutting-edge solutions digital health offers. Thus the gap is not only not closing, but it’s rather further widening right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias-768x432.png\" alt=\"AI bias algorithm artificial intelligence people patients race population\" class=\"wp-image-41809\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F04\u002FAI-bias.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With the right policies, incentives, subsidies and education, digital health will aid these underrepresented groups, and not just them. It could also help with problems like the “diagnostic odyssey,” a term that describes the long, often arduous journey that individuals with rare conditions undertake before they meet the right specialist. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, this odyssey averages five years in the United States. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We need money, money and goodwill in policies\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>All things considered, we can conclude that, in theory, digital health and AI offer significant potential to improve health equity, even though this goes beyond being just a technological issue. These advantages might not be immediately accessible to everyone, but over time, they will become increasingly mainstream – as did many breakthrough technologies throughout the centuries from electricity through washing machines to mobile phones. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, it’s important to acknowledge a potential pitfall. If the main motivation of policymakers\u002Finsurance companies and other stakeholders for increased digitization of healthcare is to cut costs and withdraw resources freed up by technology adoption, we will end up in a place where access isn’t improved for anyone. The result? Technology simply becomes a tool for cost-cutting rather than an agent of change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So here are my takeaways: \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Digital health elevates health equity, but only for those with access to technology.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>The digital health revolution itself won’t change this status quo; that’s not its mission or target audience.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>To leverage digital health to enhance health equity, we must improve digital equity – a task for policymakers and politicians.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>If we don’t redirect the human resources and capacities liberated by digital health and AI towards improving care, and instead choose to cut positions to save on operational costs, the system will ultimately see no improvements even if all previous conditions are met.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n",{"rendered":460,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Health equity through digital health and AI is not a technological matter, but a socioeconomic one that needs to be addressed accordingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",51075,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63,64,464,465],489,494,[467,66,468,469,470,471,472,68],144,313,6989,7815,7817,1355,[70,474],952,[],[477,478,479,480,77],1681,1719,4707,5323,[482,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,483,484,485,89,486,487,488,489,490,91,92,491],"post-51051","category-personalized-medicine","category-telemedicine","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-medicine","tag-digital-health-literacy","tag-health-equity","tag-digital-health-equity","tag-health-literacy","project_category-policy-makers",{"id":461,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":493,"post":446,"source_url":530},{"width":494,"height":495,"file":496,"filesize":497,"sizes":498,"image_meta":529},1920,1080,"2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366.png",133563,{"medium":499,"large":505,"thumbnail":511,"medium_large":516,"1536x1536":517,"2048x2048":523},{"file":500,"width":501,"height":502,"mime-type":106,"filesize":503,"source_url":504},"tmf_article_366-370x208.png","370","208","58425","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-370x208.png",{"file":506,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"filesize":509,"source_url":510},"tmf_article_366-768x432.png","768","432","143888","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-768x432.png",{"file":512,"width":513,"height":513,"mime-type":106,"filesize":514,"source_url":515},"tmf_article_366-150x150.png","150","20824","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-150x150.png",{"file":506,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"filesize":509,"source_url":510},{"file":518,"width":519,"height":520,"mime-type":106,"filesize":521,"source_url":522},"tmf_article_366-1536x864.png","1536","864","333798","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-1536x864.png",{"file":524,"width":525,"height":526,"mime-type":106,"filesize":527,"source_url":528},"tmf_article_366-2048x1152.png","2048","1152","472398","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":532,"related_posts_footer":533,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":536},[144,145,390],[534,535,252],50859,22987,[537,539],{"title":538},"\u003Cp>Will digital health and\u002For artificial intelligence improve health equity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":540},"\u003Cp>Yes, digital health and AI will eventually very likely improve health equity. But it will take time; and during this transition period, it might even temporarily widen the gap. What is important to understand is that health equity through digital health is not a technological matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":456,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":542,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":454},"Health equity through digital health and AI is not a technological matter, but a socioeconomic one that needs to be addressed accordingly.",{"self":544,"collection":549,"about":551,"author":553,"replies":555,"version-history":558,"predecessor-version":562,"wp:featuredmedia":566,"wp:attachment":569,"wp:term":572,"curies":583},[545],{"href":546,"targetHints":547},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F51051",{"allow":548},[24],[550],{"href":164},[552],{"href":167},[554],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[556],{"embeddable":38,"href":557},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=51051",[559],{"count":560,"href":561},10,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F51051\u002Frevisions",[563],{"id":564,"href":565},61019,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F51051\u002Frevisions\u002F61019",[567],{"embeddable":38,"href":568},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F51075",[570],{"href":571},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=51051",[573,575,577,579,581],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":574},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=51051",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":576},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=51051",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":578},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=51051",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":580},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=51051",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":582},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=51051",[584],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":586,"date":587,"date_gmt":588,"guid":589,"modified":587,"modified_gmt":588,"slug":591,"status":47,"type":48,"link":592,"title":593,"content":595,"excerpt":597,"author":57,"featured_media":599,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":600,"categories":601,"tags":602,"project_category":604,"contact_email_category":605,"yst_prominent_words":606,"class_list":613,"better_featured_image":616,"acf":645,"yoast_meta":660,"_links":663},54271,"2026-07-14T09:34:53","2026-07-14T07:34:53",{"rendered":590},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=54271&_wpnonce=a7fadde38b&status=auto-draft&type=post","3-things-transhumanism-can-give-to-healthcare","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F3-things-transhumanism-can-give-to-healthcare",{"rendered":594},"3 Things Transhumanism Can Give To Healthcare",{"rendered":596,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Imagine a future where aging is not a fate but a solvable puzzle, reshaping the very fabric of medical science. This is what transhumanism aims for. Although this goal is surely too ambitious, we might learn a thing or two \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsuperhumans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">from this futuristic movement\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What is transhumanism? \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Ftopics\u002Fsocial-sciences\u002Ftranshumanism#:~:text=Transhumanism%20is%20the%20position%20that,capacities%20beyond%20current%20biological%20constraints\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Transhumanism is the position\u003C\u002Fa> that humans should be permitted to use technology to modify and enhance human cognition and bodily function, expanding abilities and capacities beyond current biological constraints. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It is a philosophical and social movement, with not only technological aspirations. It is also an approach to exploring how advancements in science and technology could fundamentally transform human life. It has several key aspects: \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Human enhancement\u003C\u002Fstrong>: this involves the use of technologies like genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, and nanotechnology to enhance human intelligence, physical strength, and lifespan. Ironically, all the trivial pop cultural references, like Darth Vader or the Terminator are discouraging. So let’s think about Ironman here.  \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Life extension\u003C\u002Fstrong>: transhumanists often focus on extending human life significantly, potentially to immortality. This could be achieved through methods like anti-aging technologies, regenerative medicine, and possibly in the future, mind uploading.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Ethical considerations\u003C\u002Fstrong>: transhumanism raises various ethical questions, such as the potential for widening social inequalities, the nature of human identity and rights in the context of enhanced individuals, and the possible risks of advanced technologies. It also challenges current medical and ethical norms, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be human.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A few years ago \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fzoltan-istvan-and-the-jesus-singularity\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">we had an interview with the U.S. presidential candidate\u003C\u002Fa> of the Transhumanist party, explaining their visions in great detail. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1. Fighting for rights that don’t even exist today \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One of the things transhumanism can give to medicine is that it can help us fight for rights that are maybe even nonexistent or unnecessary today but will be needed in the future as technology advances. Just as the internet gave rise to digital privacy rights, transhumanism will bring forth rights we haven’t even thought about yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Like rights related to our robotics and\u002For AI-enhanced bodies. The question arises: what rights do individuals have when part of their cognitive processes or physical abilities are enhanced or even controlled by AI? It’s like asking who gets to decide what your smart prosthetic arm can or can’t do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Similarly, the rights of biohackers. These are the pioneers, often working outside of traditional labs, who experiment with biology and technology to push the boundaries of human capabilities. But here’s the thing: as they experiment with their own bodies, they challenge existing medical and legal frameworks. They are DIY enthusiasts, but instead of building birdhouses, they’re building – hopefully – better versions of themselves. What rights do these innovators have (or don’t have?), and how do we ensure their safety without stifling their creativity? Where are the boundaries of their freedom? Where are the boundaries of our obligations to protect humans with societal-level safeguards?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_392_nanobots-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-53803\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_392_nanobots-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_392_nanobots-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_392_nanobots-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F11\u002Ftmf_article_392_nanobots-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the future, we’ll likely need a whole new set of rights and ethical guidelines tailored to a world where humans and technology are intertwined. It’s not just about who gets access to these technologies, but also about maintaining autonomy and individuality in a world where we might be part biological, part machine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2. Mapping out feasible innovations for disease management\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Bryan Johnson’s venture into transhumanism is a vivid illustration of the extremes to which individuals might go in pursuit of longevity and enhanced health. Spending 2 million dollars per year, his lifestyle embodies a radical approach to pushing the human body’s boundaries. While this level of investment is far from feasible for the average person, Johnson’s project could yield valuable insights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Scientists and medical professionals could potentially validate and replicate findings from his extensive personal health experiments. This aspect is crucial: while not everyone can emulate Johnson’s lifestyle, the knowledge gained could inform more accessible health strategies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What Johnson does can help us figure out what things we should consider implementing and what not. For example: sitting for two hours in blue light every single evening might not be worth the effort. You might sleep perfectly well with a consistent sleep routine and several simple measures regarding your exercise habits, eating habits, and caffeine consumption as I do or Dr. Mesko does. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F226_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Withings ScanWatch review\" class=\"wp-image-31481\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F226_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F226_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F226_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F12\u002F226_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Projects like Johnson’s “Blueprint” are on the fringe of current medical practice, they offer a glimpse into the potential extremes of human enhancement. However, the lessons learned from such endeavors can guide more practical, everyday approaches to health and longevity that are accessible to the broader population. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3. Is it for all? Is it for the wealthy?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Transhumanism can also help us figure out how to address concerns about inequality, particularly the potential for technologies to favor the wealthy. Technologies, such as genetic modifications, neural enhancements, or anti-aging therapies, are likely to be expensive, at least initially. This raises the question: if only the wealthy can afford these enhancements, does it create a society where the rich can buy better health, longevity, and even intelligence, widening the gap between the rich and the poor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhealth-equity-in-the-ai-and-digital-health-era-promise-or-peril\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">are already struggling\u003C\u002Fa> with \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-widening-gap-in-access-to-healthcare-between-rich-and-poor-can-only-be-bridged-with-digital-health-solutions-if-they-are-used-wisely\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">this dilemma\u003C\u002Fa> in digital health, with wearables and personalised medicine, but how extreme can it become? There’s a concern that transhumanism could lead to a new class divide – between those who are enhanced and those who are not. This could manifest not just in terms of health and lifespan, but also in areas like employment, where enhanced individuals might have unfair advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As with other health-inequity issues, one of the core debates in transhumanism is whether its benefits will trickle down to the wider society or remain exclusive to those who can afford them.  To address these concerns, there is a growing discussion among ethicists, policymakers, and transhumanists themselves about how to ensure equitable access to these technologies. This includes considering regulations, subsidies, and ethical guidelines to prevent the deepening of social inequalities. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_243-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32629\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_243-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_243-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_243-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_243-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Evidence-based implementation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Diving into the realm of transhumanism and its profound implications for the future of healthcare can be fascinating. However, one principle remains paramount: we need an evidence-based approach. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Whether it’s about embracing new technologies, innovative treatments, or regulatory changes, the transition from transhumanist theory to healthcare application must be grounded in solid, scientific evidence. This is a critical understanding that the transhumanist community must also embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The healthcare world is inherently cautious, prioritizing patient safety and proven effectiveness. For transhumanist innovations to gain acceptance and integration into mainstream medical practice, they must undergo rigorous testing and validation. This process ensures that these advancements are not only scientifically sound but also ethically responsible and beneficial to patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":598,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Transhumanisms dreams of a future where aging is not a fate but a solvable puzzle. This futuristic movement sheds light on new rights, maps out feasible innovations for disease management, and addresses the ethical dilemma of accessibility. But we need evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",54283,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5],[603],1332,[70,71],[],[75,478,607,608,609,610,611,612],1721,1723,2017,3347,4067,5717,[614,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,615,92,93],"post-54271","tag-transhumanism",{"id":599,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":617,"post":586,"source_url":644},{"width":97,"height":98,"file":618,"filesize":619,"sizes":620,"image_meta":642},"2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395.png",582413,{"medium":621,"large":625,"thumbnail":629,"medium_large":633,"1536x1536":634,"2048x2048":638},{"file":622,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":623,"source_url":624},"tmf_article_395-370x208.png",25834,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395-370x208.png",{"file":626,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":627,"source_url":628},"tmf_article_395-768x432.png",61910,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395-768x432.png",{"file":630,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":631,"source_url":632},"tmf_article_395-150x150.png",14114,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395-150x150.png",{"file":626,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":627,"source_url":628},{"file":635,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":636,"source_url":637},"tmf_article_395-1536x864.png",142203,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395-1536x864.png",{"file":639,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":640,"source_url":641},"tmf_article_395-2048x1152.png",202166,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":643},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_395.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":646,"related_posts_footer":649,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":653},[647,648,390],52203,47427,[650,651,652],54095,13949,27125,[654,656,658],{"title":655},"\u003Cp>While transhumanism often ventures into the realm of the futuristic, it offers important lessons that can shape our approach to healthcare and human enhancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":657},"\u003Cp>Transhumanism highlights areas where excessive investment may and may not be worthwhile, guiding us toward more effective and practical health interventions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":659},"\u003Cp>Only through an evidence-based approach can transhumanist innovations be responsibly and effectively integrated into the field of medicine, ensuring patient safety and real-world applicability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":661,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":662,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":592},"3 Things Transhumanism Can Give To Healthcare - The Medical Futurist","Transhumanisms dreams of a future where aging is not a fate but a solvable puzzle. This movement may upgrade disease management, but we need evidence.",{"self":664,"collection":669,"about":671,"author":673,"replies":675,"version-history":678,"predecessor-version":682,"wp:featuredmedia":686,"wp:attachment":689,"wp:term":692,"curies":703},[665],{"href":666,"targetHints":667},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54271",{"allow":668},[24],[670],{"href":164},[672],{"href":167},[674],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[676],{"embeddable":38,"href":677},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=54271",[679],{"count":680,"href":681},17,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54271\u002Frevisions",[683],{"id":684,"href":685},54327,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54271\u002Frevisions\u002F54327",[687],{"embeddable":38,"href":688},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F54283",[690],{"href":691},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=54271",[693,695,697,699,701],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":694},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=54271",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":696},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=54271",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":698},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=54271",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":700},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=54271",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":702},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=54271",[704],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":706,"date":707,"date_gmt":708,"guid":709,"modified":711,"modified_gmt":712,"slug":713,"status":47,"type":48,"link":714,"title":715,"content":717,"excerpt":719,"author":57,"featured_media":721,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":722,"categories":723,"tags":725,"project_category":728,"contact_email_category":730,"yst_prominent_words":731,"class_list":737,"better_featured_image":743,"acf":773,"yoast_meta":786,"_links":788},54887,"2026-07-14T09:34:40","2026-07-14T07:34:40",{"rendered":710},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=54887&_wpnonce=0ec9f39f0d&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-14T09:34:41","2026-07-14T07:34:41","digital-health-menopause-and-the-150-billion-ignorance","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-menopause-and-the-150-billion-ignorance",{"rendered":716},"Digital Health, Menopause, And The $150 Billion Ignorance",{"rendered":718,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>The idea of this story came from personal experience. During the past year, I have spent countless hours and a bucketload of money trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with my health. I was feeling worse and worse, having various symptoms, totally inexplicable with my impeccable test results. During this journey, not a single doctor asked or suggested that my symptoms may come from entering perimenopause – the stage of life of women preceding menopause. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I am 47 years old, and as I have learned since then, extremely average in starting to have perimenopause symptoms at the age of 47. Also very average with the specific symptoms I have. And even more average in entering this phase of my life with zero practical knowledge or info about the possible symptoms, and treatment options. As it turns out, an overwhelming majority, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ucl.ac.uk\u002Fnews\u002F2023\u002Fapr\u002Fnine-ten-women-were-never-educated-about-menopause\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">about 90% of women\u003C\u002Fa> report the same. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A loss of $150 billion every year\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Perimenopause and menopause have lasting health implications that profoundly impact our aging process – how we retain strength, mobility, and cognitive abilities. This isn’t an issue confined to a few years, it impacts all women over 45 – that’s roughly 1.2 billion people worldwide, about 30% of the living female population till the end of their lives. And around 40% in developed nations where lifespans are longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Even if we don’t care about the “subjective” factors, like women feeling terrible and getting osteoporosis, hard economic reasoning also dictates that humanity should tackle the issue of (peri)menopause. The annual global economic impact from productivity loss and healthcare costs is estimated at $150 billion, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002F2021-06-18\u002Fwomen-are-leaving-the-workforce-for-a-little-talked-about-reason\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bloomberg reported\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite menopause’s far-reaching consequences, funding for medical research in this area is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ffinance.yahoo.com\u002Fnews\u002Fmenopause-600-billion-opportunity-report-110019808.html\" target=\"_blank\">shockingly scarce\u003C\u002Fa>. Of the $254 million invested in women’s health technology over the past decade, a mere 5% has been allocated to menopause treatments. Most funds were prioritized for reproductive health and fertility. We \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Funderfunding-research-of-female-health-leaves-huge-amounts-of-money-on-the-table\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">have already analysed\u003C\u002Fa> how underfunded female health issues \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fd41586-023-01472-5\">are in general\u003C\u002Fa>, menopause is a great example. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Dr. Mary Clair Haver, an American OB-GYN specializing in menopause revealed a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=oQqcnYcKx68\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">disheartening observation\u003C\u002Fa> from her training: many women detailing (what we now recognize as) \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mymenopausecentre.com\u002Fsymptom-checker\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">menopausal symptoms\u003C\u002Fa> were handed over to her with the label “WW patient” (as in whiny woman) along with dismissive condolences. Even today, responses such as “It’s all in your head” or “Why the drama, get over it!” remain distressingly typical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The doctor also shared that it’s not uncommon for women to be taking 7-8-10 different medications for various symptoms by the time they reach her. These women recognize that something is wrong, seeking help from one doctor to another. However, healthcare professionals often fail to recognize (peri)menopause as the root cause. Instead, they either dismiss the issue or prescribe separate treatments for individual symptoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is worrisome for two reasons: these women fail to receive crucially important info on how to preserve their physical and mental health, strength, bone density, and muscle mass while taking a handful of unnecessary drugs day after day. And meanwhile, their overall quality of life doesn’t improve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>(Peri)menopause symptoms can be confusing: from heart palpitations to anxiety, from sleep troubles to weight gain, from tinnitus to brain fog, from burning mouth to muscle pains, bloating, hair loss and fatigue – seemingly unrelated, very varied. But they are also well documented and should be considered when a woman in the right age cohort (meaning: over 35) starts listing them. Or so you would think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">70% have serious symptoms, 10% receive treatment info\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While 70% of women report that (peri)menopause symptoms negatively affect their quality of life, only 10% get sufficient information about treatment options – these shocking figures come from \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=uEZpg0n7jcY\" target=\"_blank\">this interview\u003C\u002Fa>. Canadian Dr. Peter Attia talks about how misinterpretations of the results of the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWomen%27s_Health_Initiative\" target=\"_blank\">Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)\u003C\u002Fa> resulted in demonizing hormone replacement therapies in the past few decades. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Hormone replacement therapy faced a significant setback when results generated a widespread media hysteria reporting that HRT increased cancer risk by 25%. However, a closer examination reveals that the actual increase was from a very small risk to a slightly larger (but still very small) risk. In fact, HRT’s long-term protective effects against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, muscle loss, mental health issues, and weight management are well-documented and compelling. Yet, the misinterpretation of the WHI study tarnished HRT’s reputation for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For many women, HRT \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mayoclinic.org\u002Fdiseases-conditions\u002Fmenopause\u002Fin-depth\u002Fhormone-therapy\u002Fart-20046372\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can be an effective\u003C\u002Fa> way to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.menopause.org\u002Ffor-women\u002Fexpert-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-menopause\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage menopausal symptoms\u003C\u002Fa> and improve quality of life. It can help with immediate symptoms, and it can also offer decade-long protection against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. But we just don’t know about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Digital health to the rescue?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There are signs that the digital health sector is starting to recognize the significant potential for innovation in menopause care. One indication of this is the emergence of calls for research, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Fresearch-topics\u002F57739\u002Fusing-digital-health-technologies-to-manage-symptoms-of-menopause\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">such as this one\u003C\u002Fa>:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-768x432.png\" alt=\"TMF, medical student, AI, doctor, data, computer\" class=\"wp-image-50547\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together a collection of papers that individually and collectively used digital technologies to shed light on the symptom experience during the menopause transition. In so doing, these insights will identify novel strategies for both clinicians and researchers to use in improving the clinical tools and advancing the science needed for enhancing the management of menopause symptoms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This call for research highlights the growing recognition that digital technologies can be leveraged to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Improve symptom tracking and monitoring: digital tools can empower women to track their symptoms more accurately and consistently, providing valuable data for clinicians to inform treatment decisions.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Enhance self-care: mobile apps and other digital resources can provide women with personalized guidance and support for managing their symptoms, promoting self-efficacy and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Advance clinical research: digital technologies can facilitate the collection of large-scale, real-world data on menopause symptoms, enabling researchers to identify new patterns and trends, and develop more effective treatments.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The global menopause market hit $15.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2030, according to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.grandviewresearch.com\u002Findustry-analysis\u002Fmenopause-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data\u003C\u002Fa> from Grand View Research – \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fiercehealthcare.com\u002Fhealth-tech\u002Fmenopause-care-market-remains-largely-untapped-heres-why-investors-and-startups-should\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fierce Healthcare reported\u003C\u002Fa>. According to findings from a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aarp.org\u002Fhealth\u002Fconditions-treatments\u002Finfo-2018\u002Fmenopause-symptoms-doctors-relief-treatment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">survey\u003C\u002Fa>, of women who seek medical attention 75% are left untreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is a vast market potential. Venture capital firm SJF Ventures identified 50 startups working in this area, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsjfventures.com\u002Fsjf-ventures-market-analysis-outlines-startups-disrupting-menopause-care-and-opportunities-for-investors\u002F#_ftn3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delivering solutions in five sectors\u003C\u002Fa>, many of which (but not all) list scientific publications and clinical trials on their sites. These categories are\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Biopharma: biopharmaceutical and therapeutic solutions to ovarian health and menopause symptoms.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Consumer Goods: health supplements, personal care, and sexual wellness products.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Digital Technology: platforms for menopause management, including symptom tracking, educational resources, and social networks. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Medical Devices: devices or wearables that alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vulvovaginal atrophy. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Virtual and Hybrid Care: clinical care, including consultations and medications, for menopause symptoms.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There are many apps for that\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If a woman reaches the point where she suspects she might be experiencing menopause symptoms, there are numerous apps to aid her journey. I’ve downloaded and tested several myself in recent weeks – including \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.balance-menopause.com\u002Fbalance-app\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balance\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fheyperry.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Perry\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhellocaria.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caria\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hopkinsmedicine.org\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002F2020\u002F06\u002Fgynecologist-develops-menopause-guide-for-physicians\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Menopause\u003C\u002Fa>. Here’s what I’ve learned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>You can save considerable time by getting detailed info from the app compared to starting research from scratch.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Most apps I tested did an excellent job collecting menopause symptoms.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Most go beyond basic symptom recording. They promote a holistic approach, offering advice, programs, and information about how to adjust lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, and exercise to offset symptoms and the long-term negative effects of hormonal changes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Several apps feature reviews where users evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options (HRT, herbal therapies, lifestyle changes) determining whether they helped significantly, slightly, or not at all. This is immensely helpful for learning about various treatment options and making informed decisions.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>I tried free apps, and all of these come with in-app purchases. Understandable, they need to make money somehow. But they are also quite annoying with their aggressive pushiness, and tons of locked premium features. On the other hand, they are typically not expensive, and if you haven’t learned a Ph.D. worth of info by the time you get them and live in their service area – US mostly – using the full-access versions must be much better. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>The Menopause app from Johns Hopkins is an outlier, which was specifically developed for healthcare providers. Although I am not the target audience, I found its matter-of-fact tone, lack of sales push, and depth of information comforting.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Overall, these apps are great resources for women at this particular stage of life. It’s crucial, however, to raise awareness that they exist, so others find them before they have to spend months researching the topic and visiting dozens of doctors looking for the non-existent illness making them feel off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":720,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>While 70% of women in (peri)menopause have symptoms, only 10% get sufficient info about treatments – this is a potential goldmine for digital health\u003C\u002Fp>\n",54889,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,724],4879,[726,727],7565,7907,[729,70,71],949,[],[732,733,734,735,74,75,736,77],1737,1871,2079,2199,1579,[738,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,739,740,741,742,92,93],"post-54887","category-lifestyle-medicine","tag-female-health","tag-menopause-tech","project_category-educators",{"id":721,"alt_text":744,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":745,"post":706,"source_url":772},"menopause, female health, women, app",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":746,"filesize":747,"sizes":748,"image_meta":770},"2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402.png",1206102,{"medium":749,"large":753,"thumbnail":757,"medium_large":761,"1536x1536":762,"2048x2048":766},{"file":750,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":751,"source_url":752},"tmf_article_402-370x208.png",31474,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402-370x208.png",{"file":754,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":755,"source_url":756},"tmf_article_402-768x432.png",85077,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402-768x432.png",{"file":758,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":759,"source_url":760},"tmf_article_402-150x150.png",14845,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402-150x150.png",{"file":754,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":755,"source_url":756},{"file":763,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":764,"source_url":765},"tmf_article_402-1536x864.png",224658,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402-1536x864.png",{"file":767,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":768,"source_url":769},"tmf_article_402-2048x1152.png",346448,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":771},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_402.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":774,"related_posts_footer":775,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":779},[390,647,648],[776,777,778],54593,54743,54485,[780,782,784],{"title":781},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overwhelming majority of women enter perimenopause with little to no knowledge about symptoms or treatment options, underscoring a critical gap in women’s healthcare education and support\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":783},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the profound impact of menopause on health and the economy, with an estimated annual global cost of $150 billion, menopause research and solutions are dramatically underfunded and overlooked\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":785},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital health innovations offer promising new avenues for managing menopause symptoms, providing personalized care and filling the void left by traditional healthcare through symptom tracking, telemedicine, and educational resources\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":716,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":787,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":714},"While 70% of women in (peri)menopause have symptoms, only 10% get sufficient info about treatments - this is a potential goldmine for digital health",{"self":789,"collection":794,"about":796,"author":798,"replies":800,"version-history":803,"predecessor-version":806,"wp:featuredmedia":810,"wp:attachment":813,"wp:term":816,"curies":827},[790],{"href":791,"targetHints":792},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54887",{"allow":793},[24],[795],{"href":164},[797],{"href":167},[799],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[801],{"embeddable":38,"href":802},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=54887",[804],{"count":680,"href":805},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54887\u002Frevisions",[807],{"id":808,"href":809},54943,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54887\u002Frevisions\u002F54943",[811],{"embeddable":38,"href":812},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F54889",[814],{"href":815},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=54887",[817,819,821,823,825],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":818},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=54887",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":820},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=54887",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":822},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=54887",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":824},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=54887",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":826},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=54887",[828],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":830,"date":831,"date_gmt":832,"guid":833,"modified":835,"modified_gmt":836,"slug":837,"status":47,"type":48,"link":838,"title":839,"content":841,"excerpt":843,"author":326,"featured_media":845,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":846,"categories":847,"tags":849,"project_category":850,"contact_email_category":851,"yst_prominent_words":852,"class_list":856,"better_featured_image":859,"acf":876,"yoast_meta":884,"_links":886},57841,"2026-07-02T06:55:25","2026-07-02T04:55:25",{"rendered":834},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=57841&_wpnonce=2169b48eca&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-07-02T06:55:26","2026-07-02T04:55:26","drug-discovery-in-the-age-of-ai","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdrug-discovery-in-the-age-of-ai",{"rendered":840},"Drug Discovery In The Age of AI",{"rendered":842,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Previously, we contemplated the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fai-assistance-in-clinical-trials-the-practical-opportunities\" target=\"_blank\">practical opportunities\u003C\u002Fa> of the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in clinical trials for drug development. Such assistance extends before and after trials commence, and in this article, we will focus on the pre-clinical trial aspect. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In particular, we will focus on the drug discovery stage which involves the identification and creation of new medications. This process has, traditionally, been a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tandfonline.com\u002Fdoi\u002Ffull\u002F10.1080\u002F23808993.2024.2393089\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">time-consuming and labour-intensive\u003C\u002Fa> one. In the age of AI, drug discovery can be made more efficient and precise. We will take a look at how this can be the case in this article.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The drug discovery process\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The drug discovery process can be considered as the first stage in drug development. This \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmatchtrial.health\u002Fen\u002Fhow-long-does-it-take-to-develop-a-new-drug\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">usually starts with\u003C\u002Fa> the identification of a target protein that is associated with a disease. Once identified, “high-performance selection” is performed to find molecules that can bind to and influence the target. These molecules become the initial drug candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36305\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002Ftmf_article_291_A-02.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>These candidates then need to be optimised to enhance their binding to the target. Afterwards, they are characterised to understand their actions in the human body. Following these steps, a successful molecule can proceed to further drug development stages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Traditionally, the drug discovery process has involved \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tandfonline.com\u002Fdoi\u002Ffull\u002F10.1080\u002F23808993.2024.2393089\" target=\"_blank\">considerable trial-and-error research\u003C\u002Fa> before a drug can proceed to further developmental stages. Now, AI technology can enhance the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>AI’s role in drug discovery\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The assistance of computers and mathematical models in designing new drugs stretches\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ft.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fb279d3d4-f1b5-4733-8e64-fcbf90d12219\" target=\"_blank\"> as far back as the 1970s\u003C\u002Fa>. However, in \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcategory\u002Fartificial-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\">the current age of AI\u003C\u002Fa> that we live in, such assistance has taken a new dimension. Such smart algorithms can aid \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tandfonline.com\u002Fdoi\u002Ffull\u002F10.1080\u002F23808993.2024.2393089\" target=\"_blank\">virtually every step\u003C\u002Fa> in drug discovery and beyond. In the past decade alone, the amount of AI-discovered drugs has significantly increased. In 2023, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaceutical-journal.com\u002Farticle\u002Ffeature\u002Fhow-ai-is-transforming-drug-discovery\" target=\"_blank\">46 reached\u003C\u002Fa> phase II and III clinical trials. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We dedicated an article to the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fai-assistance-in-clinical-trials-the-practical-opportunities\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">assistance of AI in clinical trials\u003C\u002Fa>. But before reaching these stages, AI can also provide assistance. Here, we will consider the practical side of the drug discovery stage with some concrete examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_382-2-s-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52039\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_382-2-s-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_382-2-s-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F08\u002Ftmf_article_382-2-s.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Identifying targets\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The analytic prowess of AI models enables them to scan \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fcouncils\u002Fforbesbusinesscouncil\u002F2024\u002F02\u002F29\u002Fai-is-rapidly-transforming-drug-discovery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">considerable amounts of datasets\u003C\u002Fa>, from genomic to clinical data. This, in turn, allows them to precisely identify targets and how potential drugs will interact with them, in a time-efficient manner. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>London-based \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benevolent.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benevolent AI\u003C\u002Fa> leverages this ability to analyse data from the scientific literature, as well as clinical and chemical databases. Through such an approach, they could develop \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaceutical-journal.com\u002Farticle\u002Ffeature\u002Fhow-ai-is-transforming-drug-discovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a drug to treat ulcerative colitis\u003C\u002Fa> that is undergoing clinical trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“Based on the information that’s provided, [the AI model] is able to almost think and propose something that was previously unknown,” Anne Phelan, chief scientific officer at London-based Benevolent AI, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaceutical-journal.com\u002Farticle\u002Ffeature\u002Fhow-ai-is-transforming-drug-discovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">explained to The Pharmaceutical Journal\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Drug formulation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A drug’s formulation, or its chemical structure and composition, determines its effectiveness in practice. Algorithms can be used to predict these characteristics of a candidate and whether it will be effective and safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Drug discovery software developer \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.schrodinger.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Schrödinger\u003C\u002Fa> employs AI models to predict how molecules will behave and the possible outcomes, based on their respective parameters. The company’s tools \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nasdaq.com\u002Farticles\u002Fschrodinger-is-an-ai-powered-drug-discovery-developer-to-watch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">have been adopted\u003C\u002Fa> by pharma companies such as Pfizer and  AstraZeneca.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another promising AI tool for drug formulation is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.google\u002Ftechnology\u002Fai\u002Fgoogle-deepmind-isomorphic-alphafold-3-ai-model\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Google’s AlphaFold\u003C\u002Fa>. The model can accurately predict how potential candidates bind to proteins and influence human disease. Isomorphic Labs \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.isomorphiclabs.com\u002Farticles\u002Frational-drug-design-with-alphafold-3\" target=\"_blank\">utilises AlphaFold\u003C\u002Fa> and its own AI models to improve drug design for projects with its pharmaceutical partners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F08\u002Fai-protein-folding-768x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-57843\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F08\u002Fai-protein-folding-768x768.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F08\u002Fai-protein-folding-150x150.png 150w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F08\u002Fai-protein-folding.png 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: https:\u002F\u002Fwww.isomorphiclabs.com\u002F\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Drug repurposing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the term suggests, drug repurposing involves employing existing drugs, initially developed for other uses, in new medical applications. This approach can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tandfonline.com\u002Fdoi\u002Ffull\u002F10.1080\u002F23808993.2024.2393089\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fast-track drug discovery\u003C\u002Fa> cost-effectively. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Some companies are using AI for such purposes. For example, US-based Recursion has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaceutical-journal.com\u002Farticle\u002Ffeature\u002Fhow-ai-is-transforming-drug-discovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">three repurposed drugs\u003C\u002Fa> undergoing clinical trials and has partnered with Genentech and Bayer for drug discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Technological limitations and ethical challenges to be acknowledged\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite the undeniable advantages of AI in aiding drug discovery, there are some limitations to the technology that need to be acknowledged. In particular, the value and reliability of the insights from such models rely on the data used to train them. Some conditions or medical fields such as oncology have more research input and available data; while others, such as tropical diseases, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ft.com\u002Fcontent\u002Fb279d3d4-f1b5-4733-8e64-fcbf90d12219\" target=\"_blank\">might not share\u003C\u002Fa> similar levels of available information. Such gaps in data can be filled over time, but this will require patience and adequate resources. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, the ethical considerations in using such tools must not be overlooked. Companies developing AI for drug discovery must ensure the ethical use of training data and that the outputs are not biased in order to have reliable real-world use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":844,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Previously, we contemplated the practical opportunities of the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in clinical trials for drug development. Such assistance extends before and […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",40965,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63,848],490,[],[],[],[853,854,855],1607,1621,1833,[857,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,858],"post-57841","category-future-of-pharma",{"id":845,"alt_text":860,"caption":7,"description":861,"media_type":95,"media_details":862,"post":874,"source_url":875},"fake drugs counterfeit medicine","Counterfeit medicine, fake drugs, substandard or falsified medication, pills, TMF",{"width":863,"height":864,"file":865,"sizes":866,"image_meta":873},720,405,"2022\u002F03\u002Ffake-drugs2.png",{"medium":867,"thumbnail":870},{"file":868,"width":501,"height":502,"mime-type":106,"source_url":869},"fake-drugs2-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002Ffake-drugs2-370x208.png",{"file":871,"width":513,"height":513,"mime-type":106,"source_url":872},"fake-drugs2-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002Ffake-drugs2-150x150.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134},40903,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002Ffake-drugs2.png",{"cta_type":7,"cta_color":7,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":877,"related_books":54,"related_posts_footer":54,"related_posts":54},[878,880,882],{"title":879},"\u003Cp>Drug discovery is the crucial initial stage of drug development but it is typically resource intensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":881},"\u003Cp>Artificial intelligence technologies can aid drug discovery in multiple ways in order to make the process more efficient and precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":883},"\u003Cp>Despite the potentials of the technology, there are still pertinent challenges and the need for ample data to train algorithms for efficient results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":885,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":7,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":838},"Drug Discovery In The Age of AI - The Medical Futurist",{"self":887,"collection":892,"about":894,"author":896,"replies":898,"version-history":901,"predecessor-version":904,"wp:featuredmedia":908,"wp:attachment":911,"wp:term":914,"curies":925},[888],{"href":889,"targetHints":890},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57841",{"allow":891},[24],[893],{"href":164},[895],{"href":167},[897],{"embeddable":38,"href":414},[899],{"embeddable":38,"href":900},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=57841",[902],{"count":57,"href":903},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57841\u002Frevisions",[905],{"id":906,"href":907},60953,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57841\u002Frevisions\u002F60953",[909],{"embeddable":38,"href":910},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F40965",[912],{"href":913},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=57841",[915,917,919,921,923],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":916},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=57841",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":918},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=57841",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":920},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=57841",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":922},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=57841",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":924},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=57841",[926],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":928,"date":929,"date_gmt":930,"guid":931,"modified":933,"modified_gmt":934,"slug":935,"status":47,"type":48,"link":936,"title":937,"content":939,"excerpt":941,"author":326,"featured_media":943,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":944,"categories":945,"tags":947,"project_category":948,"contact_email_category":949,"yst_prominent_words":950,"class_list":952,"better_featured_image":955,"acf":983,"yoast_meta":991,"_links":993},60901,"2026-06-22T10:00:00","2026-06-22T08:00:00",{"rendered":932},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=60901&_wpnonce=756ffd310a&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-06-19T10:45:13","2026-06-19T08:45:13","are-physicians-losing-skills-due-to-ai-what-is-cognitive-offloading","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fare-physicians-losing-skills-due-to-ai-what-is-cognitive-offloading",{"rendered":938},"Are Physicians Losing Skills Due To AI? What Is Cognitive Offloading?",{"rendered":940,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>In the current age of artificial intelligence (AI), physicians are able to rely on the technology for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcategory\u002Fartificial-intelligence\">a myriad of purposes\u003C\u002Fa>. From triaging patients to assistance with radiological scans, they can turn to AI tools to assist them in their healthcare-related tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, by offloading cognitive tasks to automated systems, a new concern has arisen: are doctors losing their clinical skills due to AI? In this article, we reflect on the cognitive offloading phenomenon, its impact on healthcare practice and how clinicians can engage with AI tools without compromising their skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What is cognitive offloading?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In general terms, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cambridgeassessment.org.uk\u002Fblogs\u002Fcognitive-offloading-in-assessment\u002F\">cognitive offloading involves\u003C\u002Fa> the use of external tools to minimise the mental demands of conducting a task. A classic example is that of using calculators to carry out arithmetic tasks. By using this external tool, we are outsourcing the mental or cognitive need for our brains to do so by itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This process can be applied to a number of tools and, in particular, AI. With this technology, we can offload tasks such as fixing software code to writing whole books. Offloading cognitive tasks to AI is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psychologytoday.com\u002Fus\u002Fblog\u002Fthe-digital-self\u002F202606\u002Fai-and-the-psychology-of-cognitive-surrender\">an attractive prospect\u003C\u002Fa> as it offers a low-effort avenue to carry out complex tasks. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F02\u002FTop-AI-companies-768x432.png\" alt=\"A.I. algorithms\" class=\"wp-image-39341\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F02\u002FTop-AI-companies-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F02\u002FTop-AI-companies-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F02\u002FTop-AI-companies-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F02\u002FTop-AI-companies.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>As with any tool, such task delegation comes with its own benefits and risks. Going back to the calculator analogy, using that tool can help make repetitive calculations easy while a student can rely on more abstract derivations. However, over-reliance on the calculator can also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cambridgeassessment.org.uk\u002Fblogs\u002Fcognitive-offloading-in-assessment\u002F\">reduce the student’s ability\u003C\u002Fa> to carry out arithmetic tasks for everyday purposes. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With cognitive offloading to AI in the healthcare space, the stakes are heightened. The technology is still relatively new, and we need to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psychologytoday.com\u002Fus\u002Fblog\u002Fthe-digital-self\u002F202606\u002Fai-and-the-psychology-of-cognitive-surrender\">think about what happens long term\u003C\u002Fa> if AI takes thinking out of physicians’ jobs for months and years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Cognitive offloading to AI in healthcare: benefits and risks\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Let’s first contemplate the benefits of physicians employing AI for cognitive offloading. In the clinical realm, retrieving and updating medical insights has traditionally been slow and fragmented. Physicians have to navigate through outdated platforms that take away their precious time. AI-driven systems such as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hsj.co.uk\u002Ftechnology-and-innovation\u002Fthe-future-of-medical-knowledge-retrieval-reducing-cognitive-load-improving-care\u002F7038841.article\">information retrieval tools\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-much-time-can-ai-scribes-save\">automated scribes\u003C\u002Fa> can handle cognitive tasks to prevent overloading physicians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Indeed, some time-consuming tasks such as typing patient encounters in electronic systems can lead to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC12678390\u002F\">cognitive overload for physicians\u003C\u002Fa>. In turn, these contribute to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uchicagomedicine.org\u002Fforefront\u002Fresearch-and-discoveries-articles\u002Fambient-ai-saves-time-reduces-burnout-fosters-patient-connection\">physician burnout\u003C\u002Fa> while making care delivery \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hsj.co.uk\u002Ftechnology-and-innovation\u002Fthe-future-of-medical-knowledge-retrieval-reducing-cognitive-load-improving-care\u002F7038841.article\">inefficient\u003C\u002Fa>. AI systems can positively support physicians in routine tasks and improve the care experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_394-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54109\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_394-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_394-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_394-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F12\u002Ftmf_article_394.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, there is a delicate balance that needs to be struck with cognitive offloading to AI tools. Becoming too \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC12678390\u002F#s11\">dependent on these\u003C\u002Fa> can make physicians reduce their autonomy in decision-making and minimise introspection, skills which are key to clinicians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fjessepines\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F23\u002Fwill-ai-de-skill-doctors-evidence-is-starting-to-trickle-in\u002F\">Studies indicate\u003C\u002Fa> that doctors who rely heavily on AI output might have their clinical performance negatively impacted. One illustrative example found that endoscopists who regularly use AI assistance experience a notable \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F40816301\u002F\">decline in detecting\u003C\u002Fa> cancerous lesions (from 29% to 22%) during subsequent non-AI procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This raises the spectre of “\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psychologytoday.com\u002Fus\u002Fblog\u002Fthe-digital-self\u002F202606\u002Fai-and-the-psychology-of-cognitive-surrender\">cognitive surrender\u003C\u002Fa>”, the more ominous-sounding consequence of cognitive offloading. As the term implies, this involves fully offloading cognitive tasks to AI, or surrendering all thinking to the tool. In turn, the user \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpapers.ssrn.com\u002Fsol3\u002Fpapers.cfm?abstract_id=6097646\">can falsely attribute\u003C\u002Fa> the output of these tasks to their own judgement, when, in fact, it is the AI’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It’s a real risk that physicians can succumb to. In particular, for medical students and trainees, these concerns are more relevant. If the next generation of physicians over-rely on AI assistance without critically engaging with their work, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fjessepines\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F23\u002Fwill-ai-de-skill-doctors-evidence-is-starting-to-trickle-in\u002F\">they will fail to develop\u003C\u002Fa> the independent problem-solving and diagnostic reasoning skills required for practising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Can the risks of AI cognitive offloading be mitigated?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As dire as the consequences of AI cognitive offloading might sound, the practice does not mean a less skilled future clinical workforce. Mitigating the risks also does not rely on a wholesale ban of AI in healthcare. Instead, a more nuanced and critical approach is required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If a cognitive task can be fully offloaded to AI – such as outright determining a diagnosis – its usage is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cambridgeassessment.org.uk\u002Fblogs\u002Fcognitive-offloading-in-assessment\u002F\">likely inappropriate\u003C\u002Fa>, especially for medical students and trainees. But if the tool can support learners in better engaging with the cognitive task at hand and take over more trivial tasks, then AI can be an adequate complement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, when analysing a radiological scan, an automated assistance tool \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.forbes.com\u002Fsites\u002Fjessepines\u002F2026\u002F02\u002F23\u002Fwill-ai-de-skill-doctors-evidence-is-starting-to-trickle-in\u002F\">could indicate the region \u003C\u002Fa>of a suspicious region and engage the physician in determining the reason for this indication. The latter could even challenge the AI’s thinking, as these tools are not impervious to mistakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As such, AI cognitive offloading \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC12678390\u002F\">would ideally require\u003C\u002Fa> thoughtful design of the tool, robust policy safeguards, and careful integration. This is no simple task and will require concerted efforts to implement. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the meantime, individual physicians can take responsibility to ensure that AI empowers their cognitive tasks rather than erodes their cognitive autonomy by critically engaging with the technology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":942,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>In the current age of artificial intelligence (AI), physicians are able to rely on the technology for a myriad of purposes. From triaging patients to […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",60903,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63,946],521,[],[],[],[855,951],2391,[953,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,954],"post-60901","category-future-medicine",{"id":943,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":956,"post":928,"source_url":982},{"width":957,"height":958,"file":959,"filesize":960,"sizes":961,"image_meta":980},1672,941,"2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading.jpeg",306789,{"medium":962,"large":967,"thumbnail":971,"medium_large":975,"1536x1536":976},{"file":963,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":964,"filesize":965,"source_url":966},"AI-and-cognitive-offloading-370x208.jpeg","image\u002Fjpeg",17808,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading-370x208.jpeg",{"file":968,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":964,"filesize":969,"source_url":970},"AI-and-cognitive-offloading-768x432.jpeg",60985,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading-768x432.jpeg",{"file":972,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":964,"filesize":973,"source_url":974},"AI-and-cognitive-offloading-150x150.jpeg",6499,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading-150x150.jpeg",{"file":968,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":964,"filesize":969,"source_url":970},{"file":977,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":964,"filesize":978,"source_url":979},"AI-and-cognitive-offloading-1536x864.jpeg",194837,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading-1536x864.jpeg",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":981},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FAI-and-cognitive-offloading.jpeg",{"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":984,"cta_type":7,"cta_color":7,"related_books":54,"related_posts_footer":54,"related_posts":54},[985,987,989],{"title":986},"\u003Cp>Usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is becoming increasingly prevalent among physicians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":988},"\u003Cp>While AI assistance can take repetitive tasks from clinical work, there is a risk that over-relying on these tools can lead to deskilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":990},"\u003Cp>In this article, we take a look at the cognitive offloading phenomenon with AI tools in healthcare and how to mitigate the risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":992,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":7,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":936},"Are Physicians Losing Skills Due To AI? What Is Cognitive Offloading? - The Medical Futurist",{"self":994,"collection":999,"about":1001,"author":1003,"replies":1005,"version-history":1008,"predecessor-version":1011,"wp:featuredmedia":1015,"wp:attachment":1018,"wp:term":1021,"curies":1032},[995],{"href":996,"targetHints":997},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60901",{"allow":998},[24],[1000],{"href":164},[1002],{"href":167},[1004],{"embeddable":38,"href":414},[1006],{"embeddable":38,"href":1007},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=60901",[1009],{"count":285,"href":1010},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60901\u002Frevisions",[1012],{"id":1013,"href":1014},60909,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60901\u002Frevisions\u002F60909",[1016],{"embeddable":38,"href":1017},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F60903",[1019],{"href":1020},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=60901",[1022,1024,1026,1028,1030],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1023},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=60901",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1025},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=60901",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1027},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=60901",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1029},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=60901",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1031},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=60901",[1033],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":1035,"date":1036,"date_gmt":1037,"guid":1038,"modified":1040,"modified_gmt":1041,"slug":1042,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1043,"title":1044,"content":1046,"excerpt":1048,"author":326,"featured_media":1050,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1051,"categories":1052,"tags":1055,"project_category":1056,"contact_email_category":1057,"yst_prominent_words":1058,"class_list":1062,"better_featured_image":1066,"acf":1096,"yoast_meta":1102,"_links":1104},60779,"2026-05-22T22:00:00","2026-05-22T20:00:00",{"rendered":1039},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=60779&_wpnonce=c0f6b55287&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-05-25T09:19:54","2026-05-25T07:19:54","what-is-digital-blood-testing","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-is-digital-blood-testing",{"rendered":1045},"What Is Digital Blood Testing?",{"rendered":1047,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>In healthcare, blood tests are routine procedures that involve taking a patient’s blood and assessing it. The need for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nhs.uk\u002Ftests-and-treatments\u002Fblood-tests\u002F\">blood tests varies\u003C\u002Fa>, ranging from checking the blood glucose level to checking how well a condition is being managed via medications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Of course, in the digital health era, it is quasi-expected for blood testing to take a digital spin. Recent developments have indeed indicated that the concept of “digital blood testing” will soon be a reality. We take a look at the implications in this article.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What is digital blood testing?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Traditional blood tests \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nhs.uk\u002Ftests-and-treatments\u002Fblood-tests\u002F\">have involved\u003C\u002Fa> taking a blood sample that is sent to a lab for further analysis. The results are indicative of the patient’s health status at that point in time. If clinicians need to assess the status again, they would need to repeat the process. From there, they can establish trends and patterns, for example, the efficacy of a drug. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, this process is not very practical and, in cases where a patient’s condition is evolving rapidly, it \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41587-026-03010-w\">can lead to\u003C\u002Fa> sub-optimal decision-making and poorer outcomes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_397_blood-draw-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54535\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_397_blood-draw-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_397_blood-draw-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_397_blood-draw-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_397_blood-draw-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital blood testing aims to address such limitations. By relying on specialised sensors, biomarkers that have typically been detected in the blood are instead analysed in real-time and even continuously from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmy.clevelandclinic.org\u002Fhealth\u002Farticles\u002Fcontinuous-glucose-monitoring-cgm\">the skin’s interstitial fluid\u003C\u002Fa> or the fluid in the spaces around your cells. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Such approaches rely on skin patches with micro-needles that come into contact with the patient’s interstitial fluid. With sensors embedded in the needles and\u002For patch, the biomarker is analysed, and the data is stored on the patch, ready to be transferred wirelessly.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Uses of digital blood testing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While digital blood testing is a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fanz\u002Fdigital-blood-testing-now-hand\">rather new concept\u003C\u002Fa>, there are already practical examples that are materialising the vision. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Continuous biomarker monitoring and wirelessly transferring data have become an increasingly popular approach with continuous glucose monitoring. The process is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhere-does-diabetes-technology-stand\u002F\">moving away\u003C\u002Fa> from needles and finger pricks with skin patches like Abbott’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freestyle.abbott\u002F\">Freestyle Libre\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dexcom.com\u002Fen-GB\u002Fdexcom-g7-cgm-system\">Dexcom G7\u003C\u002Fa>. Their sensors rely on glucose level measurements in the skin’s interstitial fluid. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another, more ambitious, example comes from digital health company \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nutromics.com\u002F\">Nutromics\u003C\u002Fa>. Their Lab on a Patch is meant to be worn directly on patients’ skin. From there, the embedded microneedles coated with synthetic DNA-based sensors can monitor specific targets in interstitial fluid and wirelessly communicate the results. The company aims to use their device across medical disciplines, from infectious disease to cardiology. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nutromics Patch - How it Works\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F-Ci0Pic-HdM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While their product is still in development, Nutromics recently shared \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41587-026-03010-w\">findings from a pilot trial\u003C\u002Fa> using their technology. In it, their patch was used to monitor levels of the antibiotic vancomycin from interstitial fluid. The concentration of such drugs requires close monitoring to ensure their safe and effective dosing. Blood sampling can be challenging due to the time-sensitive nature of the monitoring required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the pilot, Nutromics’ patch was shown to address this issue by being able to capture the drug’s levels over 24 hours in 5-minute intervals. The study also found the use of the patch to be safe and, compared to traditional blood draws, more comfortable. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The impact of digital blood testing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The limited number of practical examples of digital blood testing is indicative of the nascency of the concept. However, it is showing promise, as exemplified by a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mordorintelligence.com\u002Findustry-reports\u002Fcontinuous-glucose-monitoring-market\">growth in\u003C\u002Fa> continuous glucose monitoring patches in recent years. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital blood testing solutions can address more than technical challenges. They also offer a practical edge. In particular, fear of needles is very real, affecting \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk\u002Fhealth-information\u002Fneedle-phobia-and-overcoming-your-fear\">at least 1 in 10 people\u003C\u002Fa>. By means of a patch that overrides the need for regular blood sampling, biological assessments are made more convenient and accessible. This approach \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fanz\u002Fdigital-blood-testing-now-hand\">also holds promise\u003C\u002Fa> for chronic disease management and at-home care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While a future with digital blood testing is shaping up, there will likely still be the need for actual blood tests, such as to assess blood cells. These might also evolve to be less invasive and, as with digital blood tests, they will need to undergo clinical trials to ascertain their safety and efficacy. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1049,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>In healthcare, blood tests are routine procedures that involve taking a patient’s blood and assessing it. The need for blood tests varies, ranging from checking […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",22249,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,1053,225,946,1054],500,497,[],[],[],[77,477,1059,1060,1061],2875,2903,5013,[1063,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,1064,233,954,1065],"post-60779","category-biotechnology","category-portable-diagnostics",{"id":1050,"alt_text":1067,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1068,"post":1094,"source_url":1095},"blood testing",{"width":1069,"height":1070,"file":1071,"sizes":1072,"image_meta":1092},1921,1081,"2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting.gif",{"medium":1073,"large":1077,"thumbnail":1080,"medium_large":1083,"1536x1536":1084,"large_old_512x288":1087},{"file":1074,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1076},"045_bloodtesting-370x208.gif","image\u002Fgif","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting-370x208.gif",{"file":1078,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1079},"045_bloodtesting-768x432.gif","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting-768x432.gif",{"file":1081,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1082},"045_bloodtesting-150x150.gif","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting-150x150.gif",{"file":1078,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1079},{"file":1085,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1086},"045_bloodtesting-1536x864.gif","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting-1536x864.gif",{"file":1088,"width":1089,"height":1090,"mime-type":1075,"source_url":1091},"045_bloodtesting-512x288.gif",512,288,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting-512x288.gif",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":1093},[],22248,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2018\u002F11\u002F045_bloodtesting.gif",{"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1097,"cta_type":7,"cta_color":7,"related_books":54,"related_posts_footer":54,"related_posts":54},[1098,1100],{"title":1099},"\u003Cp>Digital blood testing is a relatively new concept that involves alternative, technologically-enhanced ways to test for biomarkers that typically rely on blood sampling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1101},"\u003Cp>There are already practical examples of digital blood testing, and new research indicates a promising future for this approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1103,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":7,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1043},"What Is Digital Blood Testing? - The Medical Futurist",{"self":1105,"collection":1110,"about":1112,"author":1114,"replies":1116,"version-history":1119,"predecessor-version":1122,"wp:featuredmedia":1126,"wp:attachment":1129,"wp:term":1132,"curies":1143},[1106],{"href":1107,"targetHints":1108},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60779",{"allow":1109},[24],[1111],{"href":164},[1113],{"href":167},[1115],{"embeddable":38,"href":414},[1117],{"embeddable":38,"href":1118},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=60779",[1120],{"count":285,"href":1121},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60779\u002Frevisions",[1123],{"id":1124,"href":1125},60791,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F60779\u002Frevisions\u002F60791",[1127],{"embeddable":38,"href":1128},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F22249",[1130],{"href":1131},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=60779",[1133,1135,1137,1139,1141],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1134},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=60779",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1136},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=60779",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1138},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=60779",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1140},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=60779",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1142},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=60779",[1144],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":777,"date":1146,"date_gmt":1147,"guid":1148,"modified":1150,"modified_gmt":1151,"slug":1152,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1153,"title":1154,"content":1156,"excerpt":1158,"author":57,"featured_media":1160,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1161,"categories":1162,"tags":1163,"project_category":1166,"contact_email_category":1167,"yst_prominent_words":1168,"class_list":1176,"better_featured_image":1180,"acf":1210,"yoast_meta":1223,"_links":1225},"2026-05-11T10:36:27","2026-05-11T08:36:27",{"rendered":1149},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=54743&_wpnonce=f04c6c3277&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-05-11T10:36:28","2026-05-11T08:36:28","will-patients-have-to-pay-for-using-ai-in-their-healthcare","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwill-patients-have-to-pay-for-using-ai-in-their-healthcare",{"rendered":1155},"Will Patients Have To Pay For Using AI In Their Healthcare?",{"rendered":1157,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integral to medical practices, with applications ranging from administrative tasks to diagnostics, patient communication, and logistics optimization. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of AI algorithms in daily clinical practice. For instance, AI-assisted mammography and treatment planning have shown promising results in diverse settings, including both \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lunduniversity.lu.se\u002Farticle\u002Fai-supported-mammography-screening-found-be-safe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Sweden\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealth.google\u002Fcaregivers\u002Fmammography\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the U.S\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the field of radiotherapy for cancers such as lung, prostate, and colorectal, AI technologies are being harnessed \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nice.org.uk\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002Fartificial-intelligence-technologies-to-speed-up-contouring-in-radiotherapy-treatment-planning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to accelerate treatment planning\u003C\u002Fa>. This not only reduces the workload for healthcare professionals but also improves patient outcomes – a true win-win scenario we are looking for when designing these studies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Artificial intelligence has firmly established its presence in the medical field. The primary consideration is not whether AI will be integrated into standard care, but rather how it will be implemented. Unless one has been metaphorically sleeping through the past year, much like a 21st-century Sleeping Beauty, the rise and relevance of AI in medicine is unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are patients to pay the cost of AI in their care? \u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As AI finds its way into everyday clinical settings, a critical question emerges: who will pay for the deployment (and use and maintenance) of such systems? And this is not a sci-fi question, but something we face today. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This article discussed how the author was asked \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fedition.cnn.com\u002F2024\u002F01\u002F26\u002Fhealth\u002Fai-mammograms-kff-health-news\u002Findex.html\" target=\"_blank\">if she wanted to pay $40 extra\u003C\u002Fa> for additional AI analysis in mammography. In her case a Manhattan radiology clinic offered an AI analysis of their mammogram for an additional $40, not covered by insurance. This scenario was echoed at a clinic in suburban Baltimore, where patients were similarly offered AI-assisted mammography for a $40 fee. These instances mark the initial real-world applications of AI in patient care but also introduce new factors to the healthcare equation. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-768x432.png\" alt=\"TMF, medical student, AI, doctor, data, computer\" class=\"wp-image-50547\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_357.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To make things more complicated, we can’t look for a single, universal solution here. Healthcare systems all over the world are extremely diverse, and there will be no “one size fits all” answer that is equally applicable to the private insurance-based model in the USA to the tax-funded public healthcare in Scandinavian countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will AI be cheaper or more expensive than doctors?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The question of whether AI will be more cost-effective than traditional medical practices is complex, and the earlier cited examples, where patients were charged extra for AI-assisted mammography, do not necessarily represent a universal pricing model for AI in healthcare. In the future, the cost comparison might not be straightforward and could involve weighing the price of a doctor’s time against the operational costs of an AI algorithm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Consider the scenario of laboratory tests. If AI can provide sufficient analysis at a cost of X, and you need to pay 2X for a doctor to review, relying on the algorithm’s assessment becomes a cost-effective option. But of course, it may happen the other way around, it is too early to know that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Conversely, while AI might offer an additional layer of analysis for imaging tests like MRIs, this could potentially come at a higher cost. The financial implications of AI in healthcare are still evolving, and it’s unclear how these will reshape overall costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In countries with private insurance-based healthcare systems, the key factor is insurance coverage: will plans adapt to cover AI-enhanced services, and how will this affect premiums and out-of-pocket expenses? In countries with socialised medicine, the question is whether there are sufficient funds to deploy AI technologies in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_362_AI_doctor_robot-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50863\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_362_AI_doctor_robot-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_362_AI_doctor_robot-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_362_AI_doctor_robot-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_362_AI_doctor_robot.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New divides will be apparent on multiple levels\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The integration of AI in healthcare, at least in the short term, threatens to create new disparities in access on multiple levels. A clear example is the AI-assisted mammography scenario: those who can afford to pay more receive additional services. Studies show better detection rates with AI, and while the routine value of such technology in clinical practice is still under evaluation, we can take it for granted that access will not be universal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Within countries\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>You don’t even need to have a private insurance-based system to face this issue. Let’s consider moderately wealthy countries with socialised medicine and healthcare systems – like the B-tier of the developed world. While such nations often boast relatively advanced healthcare systems, their lower GDP results in significantly less funding compared to the wealthiest countries. In such environments, we’ll more likely see AI-assisted solutions in private care, but not (or not much) in the public system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This situation also creates disparities: access is often tied to one’s ability to pay. Yet, in these countries, these inequalities are obscured behind the facade of “free healthcare.” This covert inequality is likely to affect many moderately wealthy nations as they struggle to incorporate AI into their public healthcare systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Between countries\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, we are likely to witness divides between countries and even continents. Wealthier nations with state-funded healthcare systems might introduce AI more rapidly compared to less affluent countries. For instance, Hungary might struggle to keep pace with countries like Sweden or Germany in universally implementing these technologies. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And of course, there will be a much more pronounced difference between third-world countries and the wealthiest societies. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Between languages\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Languages also present a barrier, as countries speaking languages with a larger global presence, such as English, Chinese, and Spanish will have more readily developed and implemented systems compared to odd, small languages spoken by a few million. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Between wealthy and struggling providers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The financial capability to invest in such technologies significantly impacts their availability and implementation. Thus, many systems might become available for some and unavailable to others, like an AI product reducing physician workload and improving efficiency may be more easily adopted by well-funded private clinics than by struggling state healthcare systems. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51075\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_366.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leapfrogging in the third world? \u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, there’s an upside: AI could enable ‘leapfrogging’ in less developed countries. These nations might bypass the need for certain intermediate infrastructures that are costly to maintain in developed countries. This could be a stepping stone in their development, potentially turning a previous disadvantage into an opportunity. For example, AI-driven mobile health applications in remote areas could provide diagnostic support where access to healthcare professionals is limited, effectively leapfrogging the need for extensive healthcare infrastructure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AI also presents a solution to the shortage of healthcare professionals, a challenge particularly acute in poorer regions. The migration of medical staff to wealthier areas exacerbates this problem, making access to quality healthcare even more challenging. AI could bridge this gap, offering a level of diagnostic and treatment planning support in regions where human resources are scarce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Saying all this, it’s clear that the cost of implementing AI in medicine is not a simple issue with straightforward solutions. Healthcare systems worldwide are in a phase of transition, grappling with how best to integrate AI technologies into their frameworks. Regulators, too, face the challenge of establishing guidelines that balance innovation with accessibility and fairness. As patients, we must understand this evolving situation and our options within it. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Staying informed and engaged is crucial, as these technological advancements hold the potential to significantly alter our healthcare experience. \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1159,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>As AI finds its way into everyday clinical settings, a critical question emerges: will patients be asked to pay extra if AI is used in their care? \u003C\u002Fp>\n",54747,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63],[1164,1165],7671,7673,[],[],[1169,1170,1171,1172,855,1173,1174,1175],3189,1683,1709,1715,1835,2293,3061,[1177,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,1178,1179],"post-54743","tag-ai-in-healthcare","tag-ai-in-medicine",{"id":1160,"alt_text":1181,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1182,"post":777,"source_url":1209},"AI, radiomics, radiology, X-ray",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":1183,"filesize":1184,"sizes":1185,"image_meta":1207},"2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399.png",1452526,{"medium":1186,"large":1190,"thumbnail":1194,"medium_large":1198,"1536x1536":1199,"2048x2048":1203},{"file":1187,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1188,"source_url":1189},"tmf_article_399-370x208.png",32741,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399-370x208.png",{"file":1191,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1192,"source_url":1193},"tmf_article_399-768x432.png",95248,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399-768x432.png",{"file":1195,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1196,"source_url":1197},"tmf_article_399-150x150.png",11919,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399-150x150.png",{"file":1191,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1192,"source_url":1193},{"file":1200,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1201,"source_url":1202},"tmf_article_399-1536x864.png",252017,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399-1536x864.png",{"file":1204,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1205,"source_url":1206},"tmf_article_399-2048x1152.png",379272,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":1208},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F02\u002Ftmf_article_399.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":1211,"related_posts_footer":1213,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1216},[1212,146,647],24765,[776,1214,1215],54615,54533,[1217,1219,1221],{"title":1218},"\u003Cp>AI solutions are expensive to develop, especially in the healthcare setting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1220},"\u003Cp>There is an ongoing debate about who would pay for the advanced use of AI in diagnosis and decision-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1222},"\u003Cp>We see examples where patients are offered a chance to “upgrade” their care with AI, but they have to pay for it themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1155,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1224,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1153},"As AI finds its way into everyday clinical settings, a critical question emerges: will patients be asked to pay extra if AI is used in their healthcare?",{"self":1226,"collection":1231,"about":1233,"author":1235,"replies":1237,"version-history":1240,"predecessor-version":1244,"wp:featuredmedia":1248,"wp:attachment":1251,"wp:term":1254,"curies":1265},[1227],{"href":1228,"targetHints":1229},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54743",{"allow":1230},[24],[1232],{"href":164},[1234],{"href":167},[1236],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[1238],{"embeddable":38,"href":1239},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=54743",[1241],{"count":1242,"href":1243},14,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54743\u002Frevisions",[1245],{"id":1246,"href":1247},54779,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54743\u002Frevisions\u002F54779",[1249],{"embeddable":38,"href":1250},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F54747",[1252],{"href":1253},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=54743",[1255,1257,1259,1261,1263],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1256},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=54743",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1258},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=54743",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1260},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=54743",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1262},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=54743",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1264},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=54743",[1266],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":1268,"date":1269,"date_gmt":1270,"guid":1271,"modified":1273,"modified_gmt":1274,"slug":1275,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1276,"title":1277,"content":1279,"excerpt":1281,"author":57,"featured_media":1283,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1284,"categories":1285,"tags":1286,"project_category":1289,"contact_email_category":1291,"yst_prominent_words":1292,"class_list":1294,"better_featured_image":1299,"acf":1328,"yoast_meta":1342,"_links":1344},55673,"2026-05-11T10:34:09","2026-05-11T08:34:09",{"rendered":1272},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=55673&_wpnonce=75c5bf66e8&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-05-11T10:34:10","2026-05-11T08:34:10","what-if-generative-ai-turned-to-be-a-flop-in-healthcare","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-if-generative-ai-turned-to-be-a-flop-in-healthcare",{"rendered":1278},"What If Generative AI Turned To Be A Flop In Healthcare?",{"rendered":1280,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>The excitement surrounding generative AI is reaching a fever pitch. From tech giants to healthcare leaders, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cbinsights.com\u002Fresearch\u002Fgenerative-ai-funding-top-startups-investors-2023\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">investment \u003C\u002Fa>in this seemingly game-changing technology is exploding. We’re embracing the trend: we’ve written \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsearch\u002F?term=AI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dozens of articles\u003C\u002Fa>, created multiple videos, published \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Fgenerative-ai-in-healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">an ebook\u003C\u002Fa>, and recently launched a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.thinkific.com\u002Fcourses\u002Fshort-guide-to-generative-ai-in-healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new short course\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, amidst the enthusiasm, AI expert Gary Marcus \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcacm.acm.org\u002Fblogcacm\u002Fwhat-if-generative-ai-turned-out-to-be-a-dud\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">raised an important question\u003C\u002Fa> a few months ago: What if, for all its promise, generative AI fails to deliver long-term? While he outlined the pessimistic scenario in general, I wanted to dissect what genAI being a flop would mean in healthcare and medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to define generative AI failure in healthcare?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Since the public launch of ChatGPT, we’ve \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsearch\u002F?term=chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">explored the potential of generative AI\u003C\u002Fa> in medicine. This technology offers \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fusing-chatgpt-offline-the-emergence-of-small-language-models\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">promising applications\u003C\u002Fa>, from enhancing administrative efficiency to functioning \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-evolution-of-clinical-documentation-from-paper-to-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">as a virtual medical scribe\u003C\u002Fa>, potentially reshaping how medical facilities operate and interact with patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002FJVJmk_7AuL0GceA0LMbj64Ly95EUeuLUzI-_Emsny7HFIULvqP5-4y-7yAMNg0GpxinGdBsiIeR2VsrOBJ_D2s8v3YZcHlBAgGsA_k_USM1LvFBRiFL71hVcKr45oMtCR1A3SGljTPhWjF4K5C-iVN0\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Let’s now consider the other side of the coin. If generative AI fails to live up to the expectations, the consequences for healthcare could be significant. Let’s break down what failure could look like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>We don’t find evidence that it works\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A fundamental failure of generative AI would be its inability to be incorporated into evidence-based medicine. Without robust empirical support from well-conducted research and clinical trials, AI technologies can’t be applied in medical practice. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>No clinical trials prove its safety\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Similarly, a major red flag will be if years go by and we don’t see solid clinical trials to evaluate the potential of generative AI.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>And\u002For find proof that it’s useless\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another clear indicator would be if trials, pilots, and studies would prove that using generative AI in healthcare is inefficient and\u002For unsafe. This could mean AI systems making inaccurate predictions, leading to incorrect treatments, or compromising patient privacy and safety, ultimately causing more harm than good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Deep fakes rule the information highways\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The use of AI to create deep fakes could provoke significant ethical concerns and public outrage. This could include being used to falsify medical records, create misleading patient data, deepfake medical authorities \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Findianexpress.com\u002Farticle\u002Fcities\u002Fdelhi\u002Fvideo-medanta-hospital-chief-weight-loss-deepfake-gurgaon-police-9223387\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">advocating bogus treatments\u003C\u002Fa> or arguing against clinically proven ones, or fabricating medical advice. These could be life-threatening scenarios, and right now we are not exactly sure how to ensure such content can’t reach the general population. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002FkUdEtFuynGoJgscKhz11Ulrg4iM_Alg-FgThq4WWbcHkpmKRKXmzm0DOuBYzBma76UNRXiFcYGpaJvGTRAcDQ-Sft9u2D433L5eurYla-yjpYPCVhKLxmLqCz3Ilfl7x_QNtz_tS_pBvCgFvbeXz6Pc\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>People recognize AI text and don’t find it credible enough\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the novelty of generative AI may wane, AI-generated materials – brochures, summaries, etc. – become easily distinguishable and may be seen as less credible and unreliable. Thus generative AI as a tool for creating legitimate medical content could diminish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens next?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Continuing from the potential pitfalls of generative AI in healthcare, let’s explore the broader implications should these technologies fail to fulfill their promises. The consequences would ripple across the healthcare industry affecting public trust, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-current-state-of-fda-approved-ai-based-medical-devices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">regulatory landscapes\u003C\u002Fa>, and investment dynamics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Erosion of trust\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Generative AI’s failure to deliver on its promises could erode public trust in AI applications in general, casting doubt on its reliability and effectiveness. This could also slow the adoption of other AI-powered tools in healthcare and beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Leading to bans\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If generative AI is unsafe or ineffective in healthcare, regulatory bodies might impose restrictions or bans on its use in sensitive environments such as medical schools and hospitals. Such prohibitions would be a protective measure to prevent harm and preserve the integrity of medical education and patient care, but they would also hinder development and limit the technology’s potential benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002FFGTbpW58nRxxDh5KoRGRQMt_fVJvMsrfCng14uVSIw-eUifGhOaADJjJdqtIQ0rf3D4EkEY_Cwi9GoHhpd2QKJh_6ZTudAlIX6KyZfs7euQOn01VUZY8GIHVpfEj-wi9JAJH2lbuF0181Y73cYKtb-I\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Overly stringent regulations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In response to potential risks, policymakers might introduce overly stringent regulations, stifling innovation and halting the development of generative AI in healthcare. This could create a bureaucratic quagmire, slowing progress and discouraging investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Investors turn away from the field\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If generative AI fails to demonstrate clear value, investors might lose confidence and pull back their funding. This could lead to a decline in research and development, further delaying or even halting progress in this field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">However, I don’t think it is a flop\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Having said all that, I still don’t believe generative AI will be a flop in medicine (or elsewhere). It is different from previous technologies in a crucial way: we don’t need to believe how it works to a handful of experts working in specialised labs. Quite the contrary, we can directly interact with and test it, experiment, and discover its potential. Still, thinking about “what if” questions is rarely a waste of time, as it helps us prepare for the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I think the very nature of generative AI – its accessibility and the ability for daily hands-on use – suggests that it is unlikely to fail outright. Instead, my greater concern lies with its potentially rapid, unregulated development, which could lead to unforeseen consequences and challenges. \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1282,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>What if generative AI fails to live up to the expectations? The consequences for healthcare could be significant. Let’s analyze the worst-case scenario!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",55731,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63],[467,1287,1288],7691,7933,[729,70,474,1290],953,[],[1173,854,1170,608,1293,855],1831,[1295,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,485,1296,1297,742,92,491,1298],"post-55673","tag-ai-in-heaalthcare","tag-generative-ai","project_category-researchers",{"id":1283,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1300,"post":1268,"source_url":1327},{"width":97,"height":98,"file":1301,"filesize":1302,"sizes":1303,"image_meta":1325},"2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410.png",1977566,{"medium":1304,"large":1308,"thumbnail":1312,"medium_large":1316,"1536x1536":1317,"2048x2048":1321},{"file":1305,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1306,"source_url":1307},"tmf_article_410-370x208.png",44354,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410-370x208.png",{"file":1309,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1310,"source_url":1311},"tmf_article_410-768x432.png",119375,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410-768x432.png",{"file":1313,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1314,"source_url":1315},"tmf_article_410-150x150.png",20270,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410-150x150.png",{"file":1309,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1310,"source_url":1311},{"file":1318,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1319,"source_url":1320},"tmf_article_410-1536x864.png",293632,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410-1536x864.png",{"file":1322,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1323,"source_url":1324},"tmf_article_410-2048x1152.png",425355,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":1326},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_410.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":1329,"related_posts_footer":1331,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1335},[647,1330,389],55605,[1332,1333,1334],55573,55379,55115,[1336,1338,1340],{"title":1337},"\u003Cp>If generative AI fails to demonstrate effectiveness and safety through clinical trials and empirical evidence, it risks exclusion from evidence-based medical practice\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1339},"\u003Cp>A failure of generative AI could erode public trust, provoke ethical concerns with deepfakes, and lead to stringent regulations or outright bans in medical settings, potentially stifling further innovation and investment in the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1341},"\u003Cp>Although I predict the success of generative AI due to its accessibility and usability, analyzing “what if” scenarios is always important as it helps to prepare for future challenges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1278,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1343,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1276},"What if generative AI fails to live up to the expectations? The consequences for healthcare could be significant. Let's analyze the worst-case scenario!",{"self":1345,"collection":1350,"about":1352,"author":1354,"replies":1356,"version-history":1359,"predecessor-version":1363,"wp:featuredmedia":1367,"wp:attachment":1370,"wp:term":1373,"curies":1384},[1346],{"href":1347,"targetHints":1348},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F55673",{"allow":1349},[24],[1351],{"href":164},[1353],{"href":167},[1355],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[1357],{"embeddable":38,"href":1358},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=55673",[1360],{"count":1361,"href":1362},7,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F55673\u002Frevisions",[1364],{"id":1365,"href":1366},55749,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F55673\u002Frevisions\u002F55749",[1368],{"embeddable":38,"href":1369},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F55731",[1371],{"href":1372},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=55673",[1374,1376,1378,1380,1382],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1375},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=55673",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1377},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=55673",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1379},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=55673",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1381},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=55673",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1383},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=55673",[1385],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":778,"date":1387,"date_gmt":1388,"guid":1389,"modified":1391,"modified_gmt":1392,"slug":1393,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1394,"title":1395,"content":1397,"excerpt":1399,"author":57,"featured_media":1401,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1402,"categories":1403,"tags":1404,"project_category":1408,"contact_email_category":1409,"yst_prominent_words":1410,"class_list":1419,"better_featured_image":1424,"acf":1454,"yoast_meta":1468,"_links":1471},"2026-05-11T10:33:55","2026-05-11T08:33:55",{"rendered":1390},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=54485&_wpnonce=05c3797157&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-05-11T10:33:57","2026-05-11T08:33:57","a-step-by-step-guide-to-measuring-sleep","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fa-step-by-step-guide-to-measuring-sleep",{"rendered":1396},"A Step-By-Step Guide To Measuring Sleep",{"rendered":1398,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>How to take the actual first step towards a healthier lifestyle with various digital health tools and methods is among the questions we receive the most often. That is why we decided to compile a step-by-step guide to help anyone set up better routines, regardless of the devices they own\u002Fdon’t own. Let’s start with measuring sleep. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the journey towards optimal digital health should unequivocally begin with sleep, this is where we begin. It has the greatest health gains relative to the investment of time and money. “This was also my starting point, and to this day, it remains the most meaningful aspect of my health regime.” – Dr. Meskó, The Medical Futurist declared when we discussed this topic for this analysis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1-768x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25366\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F11\u002F040_sleepelf-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Sleep quality varies significantly among individuals, influenced by a blend of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. A \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.news-medical.net\u002Fnews\u002F20231108\u002FGenetic-variants-likely-affect-sleep-quality-and-quantity-in-children-study-finds.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recent study\u003C\u002Fa> published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry sheds light on this. The research, involving 2,458 children, found that kids who were genetically predisposed to insomnia, based on a polygenic risk score developed for adults, experienced more insomnia-like sleep issues such as frequent awakenings or difficulty initiating sleep. Conversely, those predisposed to longer sleep durations tended to have lengthier sleep but also experienced more wakefulness during the night in adolescence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This study provides indirect evidence that the genes predisposing adults to insomnia may also contribute to poor sleep from toddlerhood through adolescence, suggesting the existence of a ‘poor sleeper’ trait that persists throughout a lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Regardless of our genes, we don’t learn as children how to achieve (the best possible) quality sleep nor understand what good sleep specifically means for us as individuals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We previously have written about sleep tracking multiple times, you can also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-to-measure-sleep\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check back here\u003C\u002Fa> for example. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let’s quickly get over a few basic questions!\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Is it fundamental to have eight hours of sleep every night? \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>No, you\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cdc.gov\u002Fsleep\u002Fabout_sleep\u002Fhow_much_sleep.html\" target=\"_blank\"> don’t necessarily need eight hours of sleep\u003C\u002Fa> each night – actually, we don’t know yet exactly how much sleep your organism craves. But why would a standardised rule determine our bedtime when we know that everyone has a different body and different needs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>That’s when sleep tracking comes into the picture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Can we make up for lost sleep time on the weekend? \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Well, no matter how it seems, based on research \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com\u002Farticles\u002F176079.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">that’s not happening\u003C\u002Fa>. On top of that, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Facademic.oup.com\u002Fsleep\u002Fadvance-article\u002Fdoi\u002F10.1093\u002Fsleep\u002Fzsad253\u002F7280269\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this study suggests\u003C\u002Fa> that sleep regularity – how consistently you keep your bedtime \u002F wake-up time from day to day is an important predictor of mortality risk and is a stronger predictor than sleep duration. In other words, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41574-023-00851-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>social jetlag\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> \u003C\u002Fem>– when people live more according to the social clock (local time) during the working week and more according to their biological clock (circadian clock) on work-free days – is not ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea-768x432.png\" alt=\"sleep apnea treatment\" class=\"wp-image-24122\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F091_sleep_apnea.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Is snoozing truly overrated?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Definitely not! Although \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fnews.gallup.com\u002Fpoll\u002F166553\u002Fless-recommended-amount-sleep.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Gallup\u003C\u002Fa> has reported that over the past 50 years, we have been sleeping one hour less per night than we did back in the 1950s. Moreover, many people take pride in sleeping as little as possible – especially on\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thriveglobal.com\u002Fstories\u002F13737-how-the-i-don-t-sleep-much-culture-is-impacting-your-health\" target=\"_blank\"> college campuses or in the tech sector and Silicon Valley\u003C\u002Fa>, saying they’ll sleep when they are dead. Well, inadequate shuteye can eventually lead there – it is long known that sleep deprivation has even been used for a long time as a means of interrogation by many secret services, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fus-news\u002F2014\u002Fdec\u002F09\u002Fcia-torture-methods-waterboarding-sleep-deprivation\" target=\"_blank\">including the CIA\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What matters the most?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So, to make the most of the sleep issue, we have to consider \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>the quality of sleep (which needs to be tracked for you somehow as you are sleeping and thus unable to play a role)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>the quantity of sleep (ditto)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>and how energized you feel in the morning\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This process is intrinsically personal and involves a lot of trial and error. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When it comes to beginning your sleep-tracking journey, starting simple is key. As you very likely already have a smartphone, the most cost-effective way to start is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-top-sleep-apps-to-start-your-bedtime-tracking-journey\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">with a sleep-tracking app\u003C\u002Fa>. These apps can provide a surprising amount of insight without any financial investment. As you become more invested in understanding and improving your sleep, you might consider upgrading to more advanced tools like a smartwatch or an under-mattress sensor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Each level of investment offers its benefits. While apps are an excellent starting point, devices like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Finfographics\u002Fhow-to-choose-the-best-health-tracker\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">smartwatches\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-top-sleep-sensors-for-expert-level-tracking\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sensors\u003C\u002Fa> offer more detailed data and can track additional aspects of your sleep. The key is to balance your budget with your desire for detailed sleep data and remember that the ultimate goal is to enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"smart sleep alarm\" class=\"wp-image-26139\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01-512x288.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F01\u002F140_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting deeper\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I only have my smartwatch to provide sleep insights and even that is a quite new feature in my life after buying a capable new watch in December. This was a tough decision as the old one still works perfectly. (Yes, I’m a laughing stock in the team as well for this old-world sentimentalism.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Of course, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fsearch\u002F?term=sleep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">black-belted master of sleep tracking\u003C\u002Fa> is Dr. Meskó within The Medical Futurist premises. In his two-decade-long quest for better sleep, he experimented with various methods: standalone apps like Sleep as Android, dozens of various wearables, under-mattress sensors, and combinations of these tools. Each method has its unique strengths and can offer insights into different aspects of your sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In his pursuit of the most accurate sleep tracking, he’s found that for him \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n\u003Cp>the best results come from a combination of a smartwatch and an under-mattress sensor. This pairing works well because each device compensates for the other’s missing data, providing a more comprehensive view of sleep patterns. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>He uses Withings’ devices for this purpose, but everyone needs to find the combination that works best for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to make of your REM, core & deep sleep cycles?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As we are all genetically different, we need different factors during our sleep to feel rested the next day. But to make observations for yourself, you need to have info about your sleep phases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Most apps (and wearables) divide your nighttime into four segments: \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Awake\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>REM sleep\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Core\u002FLight sleep\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Deep sleep\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>REM is named after the rapid eye movement that happens during this stage. During REM the brain is incredibly active, this is the part of our sleep where we dream, process and store memories. (Sleep experts claim REM is not the only phase for doing that, but let’s settle with this thought for now).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What we (the apps) call the core\u002Flight sleep period is defined as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fbooks\u002FNBK526132\u002F#:~:text=The%20human%20body%20cycles%20through,wave%20patterns%2C%20and%20eye%20movements.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two different sleeping stages\u003C\u002Fa> by sleep experts, but let’s just stay with the app classification. This is the light sleep period we spend approximately half of our nights in, and this is the stage in which you want to be awakened by a smart sleep alarm. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And lastly, we also have deep sleep periods, which is the time when the body does maintenance. Also known as restorative sleep, the brain activity is reduced, the heart rate and respiratory rate drops, and we grow muscles and regrow tissues in deep sleep. Deep sleep typically happens in the first half of our nights and these segments last 20-40 minutes in each sleep cycle for an average person. But there is great personal variance in this as well. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The good, the bad and the eminent one\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The reason that finally convinced me to invest in a new watch while having a perfectly working old one was anxiety. As a new contestant in the Sleeping Terribly arena, I wanted to see what happens on those nights when I feel like I don’t sleep. I was aware of the fact that I was not actually awake the whole night, but it certainly felt like it. Like the night in the middle of this image. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002FlNe9SluNxPZ6Sf8woL2_hnF-Qkx0bJnylF6BpVmzA9EQUHaZjmDtG4STRCq2RE-sl8P1yUDbN1wZHzZZDRUs-RTLHzYC8WVj1ZUdzYLOnCNrDv4YRe4rhNjpqBYd_JNc7Us2Uhyr0-O6kjbvgS1Kec0\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Well, the data eminently shows that despite having enough-ish hours spent asleep, my shut-eye is terribly fragmented, with a crazy number of awakenings and very little time spent in deep sleep. I slept less on the night in the first chart, but felt perfectly fine the next day, while the night in the middle left me like a zombie. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In contrast, the last chart shows a night with excellent sleep, enough hours and enough deep sleep, with almost exactly 50% spent in light sleep and 25% in REM and deep sleep. Christmas holidays are less stressful than getting back to work, what a surprise… \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting started\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>According to Dr. Meskó, it is easy to start our journeys toward better sleep. Here is what he suggests based on his experiments. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Start tracking your sleep however you can (with pen and paper, an app, your watch, sensor, or whatever you have).\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Each morning, give a score between 1 and 10 to your sleep, based on how rested you feel, it is also fine if you just use an old-school notebook, nothing fancy is needed! \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Don’t get discouraged that things seem unchanged for a while.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>And then suddenly, start noticing patterns, and get closer to what makes you feel the best in the morning. For Dr. Meskó it is to have at least one long – 60-minutes + – deep sleep period. But everyone is different!\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Start noticing the factors that ruin your sleep. It may be stress, alcohol consumption, intense workout in the evening, too much screentime, screentime right before falling asleep, dinner too late, etc, etc. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Learn the ideal sleep quantity, as (for example) having the desired amount of deep sleep alone won’t make you feel perfectly rested if you don’t have enough hours. The optimal amount of sleep varies a lot, it can be 7 hours for one person and 8 and a half for another.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Find the right time for getting up. It is very different getting aroused from deep or light sleep, making a huge difference in how you feel in the morning – or, as Dr. Meskó declared: a smart sleep alarm is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-smart-sleep-alarm-is-the-holy-grail-of-health-tracking\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the holy grail of health tracking\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m still having bad nights, so what’s the point?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Tracking sleep won’t make all our nights perfect. I have bad days due to stress. Dr. Meskó has a newborn in the house, also not ideal for sleep quality. However, knowing what we can do to make the best of our current situations is the whole point of tracking sleep. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n\u003Cp>Your nights may not be perfect, but with the right tools, info, and mindset, you can make the most of what you have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If you still feel like wanting to read more about the topic, here Dr. Meskó \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-to-measure-sleep\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">summarized the major steps\u003C\u002Fa> we can take to measure sleep, and what we can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fanalyze-sleep-quality\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">learn from sleep data\u003C\u002Fa>. And of course, let’s not forget about the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-smart-sleep-alarm-is-the-holy-grail-of-health-tracking\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">holy grail of sleep tracking: the smart sleep alarm\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Getting sleep insights offers the lowest-hanging fruits of the whole digital health methodology, you can’t start with anything else offering such gains in health benefits. So don’t hesitate to start it, and if you have questions, reach out to us, we are happy to help!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1400,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Sleep tracking is the lowest-hanging fruit of digital health: you gain the most with the least investment – both in time and money. Here’s how to start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",54495,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5],[1405,1406,1407,66],645,656,7895,[],[],[77,1411,1412,1413,1414,1415,1416,1417,1418],1769,1883,1893,1899,1903,1905,1907,2765,[1420,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,1421,1422,1423,89],"post-54485","tag-sleep-tracking","tag-sleep-optimization","tag-how-to-sleep-better",{"id":1401,"alt_text":1425,"caption":7,"description":1425,"media_type":95,"media_details":1426,"post":778,"source_url":1453},"sleep tracking, sleep, bed, sensor, wearable, night",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":1427,"filesize":1428,"sizes":1429,"image_meta":1451},"2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking.png",494334,{"medium":1430,"large":1434,"thumbnail":1438,"medium_large":1442,"1536x1536":1443,"2048x2048":1447},{"file":1431,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1432,"source_url":1433},"tmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-370x208.png",23843,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-370x208.png",{"file":1435,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1436,"source_url":1437},"tmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-768x432.png",55442,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-768x432.png",{"file":1439,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1440,"source_url":1441},"tmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-150x150.png",10700,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-150x150.png",{"file":1435,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1436,"source_url":1437},{"file":1444,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1445,"source_url":1446},"tmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-1536x864.png",120206,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-1536x864.png",{"file":1448,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1449,"source_url":1450},"tmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-2048x1152.png",167055,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":1452},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002Ftmf_article_396_sleep_tracking.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_books":1455,"related_posts_footer":1457,"related_posts":54,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1461},[389,1456,647],31417,[1458,1459,1460],54435,54329,54197,[1462,1464,1466],{"title":1463},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep tracking is the “lowest hanging fruit” within digital health, offering the greatest benefits with minimal effort\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1465},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone with a notepad and a pen or with a smartphone can begin sleep tracking without the need for initial investment in tools or devices\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1467},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are general guidelines, the perfect night’s sleep is highly subjective, requiring attention to how individual body and lifestyle factors uniquely influence sleep patterns\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1469,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1470,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1394},"A Step-By-Step Guide To Measuring Sleep - The Medical Futurist","Measuring sleep is the lowest-hanging fruit of digital health: you gain the most with the least investment - both in time and money. Here's how to start.",{"self":1472,"collection":1477,"about":1479,"author":1481,"replies":1483,"version-history":1486,"predecessor-version":1490,"wp:featuredmedia":1494,"wp:attachment":1497,"wp:term":1500,"curies":1511},[1473],{"href":1474,"targetHints":1475},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54485",{"allow":1476},[24],[1478],{"href":164},[1480],{"href":167},[1482],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[1484],{"embeddable":38,"href":1485},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=54485",[1487],{"count":1488,"href":1489},18,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54485\u002Frevisions",[1491],{"id":1492,"href":1493},54529,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F54485\u002Frevisions\u002F54529",[1495],{"embeddable":38,"href":1496},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F54495",[1498],{"href":1499},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=54485",[1501,1503,1505,1507,1509],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1502},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=54485",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1504},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=54485",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1506},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=54485",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1508},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=54485",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1510},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=54485",[1512],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":1514,"date":1515,"date_gmt":1516,"guid":1517,"modified":1519,"modified_gmt":1520,"slug":1521,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1522,"title":1523,"content":1525,"excerpt":1527,"author":57,"featured_media":1529,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1530,"categories":1531,"tags":1532,"project_category":1538,"contact_email_category":1539,"yst_prominent_words":1540,"class_list":1549,"better_featured_image":1556,"acf":1577,"yoast_meta":1591,"_links":1593},56571,"2026-04-30T10:23:18","2026-04-30T08:23:18",{"rendered":1518},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=56571&_wpnonce=6b6a915dc6&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-04-30T10:23:20","2026-04-30T08:23:20","the-ai-and-digital-health-future-of-pharma-prescription-for-change","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-ai-and-digital-health-future-of-pharma-prescription-for-change",{"rendered":1524},"The AI And Digital Health Future Of Pharma: Prescription For Change",{"rendered":1526,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Over the past decade, our lead researcher, Dr. Bertalan Meskó, has delivered hundreds of keynote speeches to leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide. As The Medical Futurist, he spends his days mapping out the future of healthcare, a complex and fascinating task. And while his work covers all facets of medicine, from regulation and policies to clinical work, research, and technological development, the pharma sector is probably the one he has spent most of his time on in the past 15 years. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Major current digital health and AI trends in pharma\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Over the years, he has identified some clear trends that will shape the future of the pharmaceutical landscape. Some of these trends are unmistakably on the horizon, others present a more speculative glimpse into what may come. In this article, we will explore both the obvious and the less certain impacts of the digital health and AI revolution on the pharma industry – as seen in 2024.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using AI in low-risk, high-ROI fields\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One of the most promising applications of AI in the pharmaceutical industry is in low-risk, high-return-on-investment (ROI) fields such as:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>drug design, \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>drug repurposing, \u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>and clinical trials. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In drug design, AI algorithms can analyse vast datasets to identify potential drug candidates more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Bristol Myers Squibb \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fiercebiotech.com\u002Fbiotech\u002Fbristol-myers-pays-exscientia-20m-1-2b-deal-for-first-drug-candidate\">has partnered with Exscientia\u003C\u002Fa> to use AI for small-molecule drug discovery. The collaboration will use AI to accelerate the discovery of small-molecule therapeutic drug candidates in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology & immunology. The company also announced \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Finvestors.exscientia.ai\u002Fpress-releases\u002Fpress-release-details\u002F2023\u002FExscientia-Announces-Expansion-of-its-Current-Collaboration-with-Sanofi-to-Include-Existing-Exscientia-Programme\u002Fdefault.aspx\">a collaboration with Sanofi\u003C\u002Fa> in 2023. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Merck forged AI drug-development collaborations with American-Israeli biotech company Biolojic Design and with U.S. company Caris Life Sciences. In September 2023, the company started working with U.K.-based AI specialists BenevolentAI and Exscientia, aiming to significantly reduce drug discovery timelines – \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wsj.com\u002Ftech\u002Fbiotech\u002Fgermanys-merck-bets-on-ai-drug-design-partnerships-rules-out-acquisitions-interview-943c5b7a\">The Wall Street Journal reported\u003C\u002Fa> in June 2024. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Clinical trials alone are a vast field for AI, we \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fai-assistance-in-clinical-trials-the-practical-opportunities\">recently analysed this segment\u003C\u002Fa> and listed examples of how various algorithms can be used in pre-trial assistance, how they can support trials, and what they can do after the trials. Tools like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-promise-of-crispr-gpt-specialized-chatgpts-could-transform-medicine\">CRISPR-GPT\u003C\u002Fa> can help us automate trial designs. In-silico platforms can predict real-world results with high accuracy. Novadiscovery’s jinkō \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.novadiscovery.com\u002Fnovadiscovery-announces-success-of-first-of-its-kind-clinical-trial-simulation-to-accurately-predict-findings-of-phase-iii-clinical-study\u002F#:~:text=The%20jink%C5%8D%2Dpredicted%20findings%20were,a%20median%20TTP%20of%2025.9%20%5B\">predicted the results of an AstraZeneca trial\u003C\u002Fa> with about 97% accuracy before the company published the results. And it took three weeks to design, one hour to execute – and had a cost of a couple thousand dollars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Here is an excellent confirmation that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fpii\u002FS135964462400134X\">AI-generated drugs can indeed perform well\u003C\u002Fa> in clinical trials. “In Phase I, we find AI-discovered molecules have an 80–90% success rate, substantially higher than historic industry averages. In Phase II the success rate is ∼40%, albeit on a limited sample size, comparable to historic industry averages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F1715598207270.jpg\" alt=\"AI drug discovery\" class=\"wp-image-56573\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F1715598207270.jpg 799w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F06\u002F1715598207270-768x605.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using generative AI to enhance company processes\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pharmaceutical companies are not only using AI to discover new therapies but also to optimize their internal operations. Roche, for instance, has \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fposts\u002Fdavedrodge_chatgpt-health-rochegpt-activity-7111805972209090561-ATUk\u002F\">introduced RocheGPT,\u003C\u002Fa> an internal generative AI chatbot designed to streamline repetitive tasks, help intra-team knowledge sharing, and augment analysts’ efforts by analysing scientific articles or clinical test results and then extracting structured data about therapies and patients. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From patient centricity slowly to patient design\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The traditional pharma landscape has often operated with a paternalistic “we are making decisions about you” attitude towards patients. However, this dynamic is gradually shifting towards a more collaborative “we are making decisions with you” approach. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jmir.org\u002F2022\u002F8\u002Fe39178\">This evolution\u003C\u002Fa> is driven by the growing recognition that patients are not supposed to be just passive recipients of care, but active members of their health team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Patient design involves patients as co-creators in the design and development of healthcare solutions. And this is certainly something the vast \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnewsroom.accenture.com\u002Fnews\u002F2014\u002Fpatients-expect-pharmaceutical-companies-to-provide-services-that-help-them-manage-their-health-accenture-survey-finds\">majority of patients want\u003C\u002Fa>. In the past decade or so, policy makers started adopting this theme too. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fda.gov\u002Fabout-fda\u002Fdivision-patient-centered-development\u002Fcdrh-patient-engagement-advisory-committee\">Patient Engagement Advisory Committee\u003C\u002Fa> in 2017. The committee provides advice to the FDA commissioner or designee on complex issues relating to medical devices, the regulation of devices, and their use by patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This shift is long overdue. After all, patients are the ultimate “customers” of healthcare, and their experiences and needs should be at the forefront of every decision. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automating the supply chain\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The pharmaceutical supply chain is undergoing a significant transformation through the integration of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Frobotics-blockchain-redesign-pharma-supply-chain\u002F\">robotics, AI, and blockchain technology\u003C\u002Fa>. These advancements streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure greater transparency and security. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_270-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"TMF, drug, flu, woman, cold\" class=\"wp-image-34583\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_270-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_270-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_270-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F05\u002Ftmf_article_270-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For example, robotics can automate repetitive tasks such as sorting, packaging, and labeling medications, minimizing the risk of human error and freeing up personnel for more complex tasks. While fake drugs are increasingly becoming a problem all over the world (yes, in developed countries too), technology \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffighting-fake-drugs-with-miniscule-printed-watermarks-a-genius-idea\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">offers ingenious answers\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ijrte.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002Fpapers\u002Fv10i1\u002FA57440510121.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blockchain-based identification of each box\u003C\u002Fa> provides a secure, immutable ledger for tracking the provenance and movement of pharmaceutical products, ensuring traceability from production to patient delivery​. But we’ve seen other creative ideas, such as printing \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.futurity.org\u002Fcounterfeit-medications-fake-drugs-cyberphysical-watermarks-2711322\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tiny, edible, all-protein unique watermarks\u003C\u002Fa> on individual pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investing in digital therapeutics\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-new-buzz-these-are-the-top-examples-of-digital-therapeutics\u002F\">digital therapeutics (DTx)\u003C\u002Fa> as a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdrugs-vs-digital-therapeutics-a-symbiotic-rivalry\u002F\">complement to traditional medications\u003C\u002Fa>. DTx are evidence-based software applications designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. They offer a personalised, scalable, and accessible approach to healthcare, and pharma companies are investing heavily in this emerging field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Roche, for instance, was an early adopter by \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fcontent\u002Froche-acquires-mysugr-new-core-its-digital-diabetes-management-efforts\">acquiring mySugr\u003C\u002Fa>, a leading diabetes management app, to enhance its portfolio of digital solutions for patients with diabetes. Similarly, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mckinsey.com\u002Findustries\u002Flife-sciences\u002Four-insights\u002Fdigital-therapeutics-preparing-for-takeoff\">GSK partnered with Propeller Health\u003C\u002Fa>, a digital therapeutics company specializing in respiratory diseases, to develop and commercialise digital solutions for patients with asthma and COPD. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Launching (and sometimes closing) digital health units\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“If you’re not in, you’re out” best describes the sentiment most pharma companies have about the digital health revolution. Many market players decided to establish dedicated units focused on developing and commercialising digital solutions. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Bayer, for instance, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bayer.com\u002Fmedia\u002Fen-us\u002Fbayer-launches-unit-to-develop-new-precision-health-consumer-products\u002F\">launched a new unit\u003C\u002Fa> to develop precision health consumer products, while AstraZeneca \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002F2023-11-20\u002Fastrazeneca-starts-health-tech-business-to-add-ai-to-pharma\">started a health tech business\u003C\u002Fa> to integrate AI into its pharmaceutical offerings. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, not all ventures are successful, and some companies have even closed down their digital health units. Biogen, for example, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaphorum.com\u002Fnews\u002Fbiogen-shuts-digital-health-unit-and-exits-apple-alliance\">recently shut down its digital health unit\u003C\u002Fa> and ended its collaboration with Apple on a digital health app for Parkinson’s disease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let’s see the future! \u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>All the trends we’ve discussed so far are already here, happening around us, even if the transformation might be slow or almost invisible in some cases. As progress won’t stop, we can also pinpoint a few advancements that are not yet here, but will surely arrive in the next few years. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-silico trials and artificial patients\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Imagine a world where clinical trials don’t involve recruiting thousands of patients, don’t take years to finish, and don’t cost billions of dollars. This is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fin-silico-trials-are-the-future\u002F\">the promise of in silico trials\u003C\u002Fa>, where digital representations of human biology are used to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs. While still in its early stages, in silico trials also have the potential to help identify potential safety concerns earlier in the process, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health-768x432.png\" alt=\"TMF, health data, trial \" class=\"wp-image-24937\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health-512x288.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F110_All-the-things-we-can-measure-in-digital-health.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As we mentioned in the first segment of the article, we see the first studies, but we are not yet capable of actually executing trials this way. Significant challenges remain, including the need for more sophisticated models of human biology and regulatory acceptance. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite these hurdles, in silico trials represent a tantalizing glimpse into the future of drug development, where virtual simulations could complement or even replace traditional clinical trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another interesting and futuristic concept related to the topic is the idea of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-clinical-trials-artificial-patients-synthetic-data-and-real-time-analysis\u002F\">artificial patients\u003C\u002Fa>. (An artificial patient is a set of data representing the desired human characteristics the best possible way that is based on large amounts of real patient data, without actually including any backtracable real-patient data.) \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One day, virtual patients might become the go-to tools for estimating efficiency and potential side effects of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7577280\u002F\">promising drug molecules\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbiblio.ugent.be\u002Fpublication\u002F8711822\u002Ffile\u002F8711823.pdf\">optimising the use of existing ones\u003C\u002Fa>, to model the success rate of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mdpi.com\u002F2077-0375\u002F12\u002F6\u002F548\">future medical devices\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medgadget.com\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Fin-silico-clinical-trial-replicates-results-of-traditional-trial.html\">treatment methods\u003C\u002Fa>, or, as the latest,\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2022\u002F4\u002F28\u002F23044586\u002Fvr-chronic-pain-synthetic-clinical-trial-data\"> they can substitute the placebo control group\u003C\u002Fa> for clinical trials. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As many hope, one day artificial patients may be able to completely substitute humans and animals in clinical trials, most likely with animals being the first. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leaving digital transformation behind\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The phrase “digital transformation” has been a buzzword in the pharmaceutical industry for years. However, as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into every aspect of pharma operations, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fpharma-companies-and-digital-transformation\u002F\">we may be entering a post-digital transformation era\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this new era, digital tools and technologies are no longer seen as separate initiatives, but as fundamental components of the pharmaceutical landscape. AI, machine learning, and data analytics will be seamlessly woven into drug discovery, clinical trials, marketing, and patient engagement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Pharmaceutical companies that thrive in this post-digital era will be those with a mindset where technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for innovation and transformation. This will require a fundamental shift in culture, processes, and organisational structures. It will also require a willingness to experiment, take risks, and continuously adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In the pharma-future, digital technologies can’t be just add-ons, but the foundation of delivering value to patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3D Printing Drugs\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The technology for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuture-3d-printing-drugs-pharmacies-closer-think\u002F\">3D printing drugs is at an exciting stage\u003C\u002Fa> of development, with several approved drugs and ongoing trials. Aprecia Pharmaceuticals’ Spritam, approved by the FDA in 2015, was the first 3D-printed drug designed for epilepsy patients. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>FabRx, a UK-based biotech company, is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002F3dprinting.com\u002Fnews\u002Ffirst-3d-printed-pediatric-medicine-trials-to-begin-in-europe\u002F\">conducting the first pediatric clinical trial\u003C\u002Fa> of 3D-printed medicines in Europe, to explore the efficacy and customization of 3D-printed medications in real-world healthcare environments. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1527\" height=\"859\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36297\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited.png 1527w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F09\u002F3d_printed_drugs_poster-edited-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1527px) 100vw, 1527px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While the technology is still nascent, the potential of 3D-printed drugs to transform the pharmaceutical landscape is undeniable. If pharmacies could print customised pills tailored to an individual’s specific needs, taking into account their age, weight, metabolism, and even genetic profile, this could revolutionise medication adherence and efficacy, as patients receive precisely the right dose in a form that’s easiest for them to take.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Moreover, 3D printing could enable decentralised drug manufacturing, allowing medications to be produced closer to the point of care, potentially reducing costs and improving access in remote or underserved areas. While regulatory and safety hurdles remain, 3Dp-rinted drugs represent a futuristic trend with the potential to make personalised medicine a reality for millions of patients worldwide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The Medical Futurist team keeps a close watch on the news of technologies and innovation in the pharma sector, reporting on all significant developments across our social media channels and providing in-depth analysis right here on our website.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1528,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Let’s see six existing and three future trends that will determining the AI and digital health future of the pharma industry. \u003C\u002Fp>\n",33877,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63,848],[1533,1534,467,1535,1536,1537],7967,7969,356,568,1530,[70],[],[1541,1542,1543,77,854,1544,1545,1546,477,855,1547,1548],5139,1599,6067,1623,1631,1635,2133,4485,[1550,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,858,1551,1552,485,1553,1554,1555,92],"post-56571","tag-ai-in-pharma","tag-drug-repurposing","tag-pharma-2","tag-drug-development","tag-drug-design",{"id":1529,"alt_text":1557,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1558,"post":1575,"source_url":1576},"TMF, drug, pharma",{"width":494,"height":495,"file":1559,"sizes":1560,"image_meta":1574},"2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01.png",{"medium":1561,"large":1564,"thumbnail":1567,"medium_large":1570,"1536x1536":1571},{"file":1562,"width":501,"height":502,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1563},"tmf_article_258-01-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01-370x208.png",{"file":1565,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1566},"tmf_article_258-01-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01-768x432.png",{"file":1568,"width":513,"height":513,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1569},"tmf_article_258-01-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01-150x150.png",{"file":1565,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1566},{"file":1572,"width":519,"height":520,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1573},"tmf_article_258-01-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134},33827,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F04\u002Ftmf_article_258-01.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_posts_footer":1578,"related_posts":54,"related_books":1582,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1584},[1579,1580,1581],56489,56371,56453,[1583,145,1330],24764,[1585,1587,1589],{"title":1586},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The digital health and AI revolutions are rewriting the rules of pharma.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1588},"\u003Cp>Some future trends are crystal clear, others remain almost invisible for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1590},"\u003Cp>Success in this evolving landscape will require a willingness to experiment, take risks, and continuously adapt to digital advancements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1524,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1592,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1522},"Let's see six existing and three future trends that will determining the AI and digital health future of the pharma industry.",{"self":1594,"collection":1599,"about":1601,"author":1603,"replies":1605,"version-history":1608,"predecessor-version":1612,"wp:featuredmedia":1616,"wp:attachment":1619,"wp:term":1622,"curies":1633},[1595],{"href":1596,"targetHints":1597},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F56571",{"allow":1598},[24],[1600],{"href":164},[1602],{"href":167},[1604],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[1606],{"embeddable":38,"href":1607},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=56571",[1609],{"count":1610,"href":1611},19,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F56571\u002Frevisions",[1613],{"id":1614,"href":1615},60693,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F56571\u002Frevisions\u002F60693",[1617],{"embeddable":38,"href":1618},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F33877",[1620],{"href":1621},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=56571",[1623,1625,1627,1629,1631],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1624},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=56571",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1626},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=56571",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1628},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=56571",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1630},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=56571",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1632},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=56571",[1634],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":1636,"date":1637,"date_gmt":1638,"guid":1639,"modified":1641,"modified_gmt":1642,"slug":1643,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1644,"title":1645,"content":1647,"excerpt":1649,"author":326,"featured_media":1651,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1652,"categories":1653,"tags":1656,"project_category":1666,"contact_email_category":1667,"yst_prominent_words":1668,"class_list":1676,"better_featured_image":1689,"acf":1706,"yoast_meta":1717,"_links":1719},47227,"2026-04-30T10:23:02","2026-04-30T08:23:02",{"rendered":1640},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=47227&_wpnonce=2100cd11c6&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-04-30T10:23:05","2026-04-30T08:23:05","5-trends-that-will-determine-the-hospital-from-the-future","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-trends-that-will-determine-the-hospital-from-the-future",{"rendered":1646},"5 Trends That Will Determine The Hospital From The Future",{"rendered":1648,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>For centuries, scientists have been trying to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC402202\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">envision the future of hospitals\u003C\u002Fa>. Following the recent shift towards digital health technologies and the adoption of remote care approaches, it is only natural to wonder how these developments will impact those healthcare institutions. What can we expect from them in the future? Will there be hospitals altogether in a decade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The short answer is yes, physical institutions will still be part of the future of healthcare. However, their roles will be significantly different from what they currently are. They will integrate new elements of design, accommodate digital health technologies, and become specialised centers for invasive procedures, acute care, and disease prevention. In tandem, a significant portion of care will be offloaded outside of the confines of hospitals and healthcare professionals will need to adopt new roles for this purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block-backdrop backdrop-blur\" id=\"modal-backdrop-ebook-block_b71c4ea3bbeb3c251b3f291533686a79\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cinput style=\"display: none\" id=\"modal-ebook-block_b71c4ea3bbeb3c251b3f291533686a79\"\n       value=\"{"featured":{"ID":47427,"post_author":"6","post_date":"2022-09-29 09:59:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-09-29 07:59:00","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\\n<p>Learn how hospitals of the future will be designed, and what technologies will be used in hospitals to change the healthcare experience for all.<\\\u002Fp>\\n<!-- \\\u002Fwp:paragraph -->","post_title":"A Guide To The Future Of Hospitals - The Medical Futurist","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"a-guide-to-the-future-of-hospitals","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-03-12 18:17:06","post_modified_gmt":"2023-03-12 17:17:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002F?post_type=book&p=47427","menu_order":5,"post_type":"book","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw","featured_image":["https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2022\\\u002F09\\\u002Fguide-to-the-future-of-hospitals.png",320,414,false],"leanpub_url":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fleanpub.com\\\u002Ffuture-of-hospitals","preview":[{"image":"https:\\\u002F\\\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\\\u002Fwp-content\\\u002Fuploads\\\u002F2022\\\u002F09\\\u002F0926_Future_of_Hospitals_Cover.png"}],"buy_button_text":"Get it on Leanpub"},"others":[]}\"\u002F>\n\u003Cdiv id=\"ebook-block_b71c4ea3bbeb3c251b3f291533686a79\" class=\"ebook\">\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"ebook-block h-100\">\n        \u003Cdiv class=\"container h-100\">\n            \u003Cdiv class=\"article-body h-100\">\n                \u003Cdiv class=\"row h-100 align-items-center\">\n                    \u003Cdiv class=\"col-md-5 pr-md-5 mb-4 mb-md-0\">\n                        \u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002Fguide-to-the-future-of-hospitals.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\n                    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n                    \u003Cdiv class=\"col-md-7 pl-md-3\">\n                        \u003Ch3>A Guide To The Future Of Hospitals – The Medical Futurist\u003C\u002Fh3>\n                        \u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\u003Cp>Learn how hospitals of the future will be designed, and what technologies will be used in hospitals to change the healthcare experience for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->                        \u003Cbutton data-target=\"modal-ebook-block_b71c4ea3bbeb3c251b3f291533686a79\"\n                                class=\"ebook-block-button btn btn-lg font-weight-bold btn-tmf-blue mt-3\">\n                            Start Reading Now\n                        \u003C\u002Fbutton>\n                    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n                \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n            \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n        \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To dive into the trends shaping up this future and the required elements for hospitals to be future-ready, The Medical Futurist updated \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Ffuture-of-hospitals\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">our beloved e-book ‘A Guide To The Future Of Hospitals\u003C\u002Fa>‘. Composed of seven chapters and including input from industry experts, this e-book aims to equip policymakers, healthcare professionals, and digital health businesses with adequate insights to prepare for the future of hospitals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To provide a glimpse of what to expect from our new publication, this article explores five trends that will help shape the hospital of the future. We go into more details in our e-book and we would encourage you to discover more by purchasing a copy of The Guide To The Future Of Hospitals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1. The shift of the POC towards homes\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The point-of-care (POC) refers to the location where care is delivered. Traditionally, this referred to the patient’s bedside in a healthcare facility. But as recent years have highlighted, the POC extends beyond hospital walls to include where the patients are, thanks to remote care and telehealth services, wearables, portable diagnostics, and at-home lab tests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This means that patients often can now be monitored and receive healthcare recommendations from the comfort of their homes. This has spurred the new concept of ‘\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwelcome-to-the-virtual-ward\" target=\"_blank\">virtual wards\u003C\u002Fa>’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_277-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"physician shortage moves care from hospitals to the patients' homes\" class=\"wp-image-34881\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_277-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_277-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_277-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_277-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual wards offer hospital-grade attention to patients in their own homes using remote monitoring health tools. These provide real-time monitoring which, combined with two-way communication, allows patients to be in touch with healthcare professionals. The latter can subsequently provide prompt intervention if they identify signs of deterioration. Procedures such as intravenous therapies that require trained professionals are performed by a visiting nurse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Such approaches have already been piloted in countries like the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.england.nhs.uk\u002Fvirtual-wards\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.K.\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fpulse\u002Fvirtual-wards-why-widely-adopted-across-us-healthcare-lloyd-price\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S.\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.healthcareitnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fasia\u002Fcovid-19-virtual-ward-helped-singaporean-health-system-save-over-3500-bed-days\" target=\"_blank\">Singapore\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.9news.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fvirtual-hospital-adelaide-my-home-hospital-for-sa-health\u002Fdc90a123-8d67-4efb-902c-5e9b74df7e01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Australia\u003C\u002Fa>. As they become more common in the future, hospitals have to be adequately equipped and designed to support such a modality of care delivery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2. Designing specific spaces for remote care consultations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual wards aren’t the only approach that will make use of remote care but a significant proportion of outpatient consultations will also be handled in this manner. McKinsey forecasts that, in the future, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bloomberg.com\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002F2021-02-23\u002Fhow-the-pandemic-is-transforming-hospital-design\" target=\"_blank\">25% of outpatient services\u003C\u002Fa> could be conducted through telemedicine. Such an approach can help diminish the rate of unnecessary visits while improving the patient experience. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_250-51-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Hospital healtcare gap democratise future\" class=\"wp-image-33551\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_250-51-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_250-51-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_250-51-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F03\u002Ftmf_article_250-51-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>To handle the new normal, clinical spaces will need rethinking to accommodate rooms dedicated to virtual consultations and remote care. These will include user-friendly sound and lighting control, with dual screens to simultaneously converse with the patient and access their medical records,” Dr Diana Anderson \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-hospital-design-inside-the-point-of-care\u002F\">told The Medica\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-hospital-design-inside-the-point-of-care\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">l\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-hospital-design-inside-the-point-of-care\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Futurist\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3. From hand-written notes to voice-to-text\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Clinical documentation systems \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-evolution-of-clinical-documentation-from-paper-to-ai\" target=\"_blank\">evolved significantly during the past decades\u003C\u002Fa>, moving from paper to computers. While most hospitals currently rely on electronic health record (EHR) systems, the necessary administration is among the top contributors to physician burnout. Healthcare professionals spend \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.beckershospitalreview.com\u002Fehrs\u002F6-stats-on-ehr-related-physician-burnout-and-7-tips-to-combat-it.html\" target=\"_blank\">a considerable amount of time\u003C\u002Fa> entering data into EHRs, leaving them with less time to spend with their patients. Many consider EHRs as their \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvoice-to-text-technologies-shape-the-future\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">number one challenge\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A promising alternative to manually inputting data into EHRs is voice-to-text technology. It operates via a voice recognition system that transcribes patient-doctor visits without requiring physical input.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-768x432.gif\" alt=\"voice to text technologies help future hospitals to operate more efficiently \" class=\"wp-image-24827\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-768x432.gif 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-370x208.gif 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-1536x864.gif 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-2048x1152.gif 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F09\u002F106_Voice-to-text-technologies-in-medicine-512x288.gif 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>This field has been developing steadily for decades, but progress has become very evident in the past few years. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nuance.com\u002Fen-gb\u002Fhealthcare\u002Fphysician-and-clinical-speech\u002Fdragon-medical.html\">Nuance\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3m.com\u002F3M\u002Fen_US\u002Fhealth-information-systems-us\u002Fcreate-time-to-care\u002Fclinician-solutions\u002Fspeech-recognition\u002Ffluency-direct\u002F\">3M\u003C\u002Fa> were among the first to focus significant efforts on the automated (medical) scribe segment, offering voice recognition services that create clinical notes that integrate into EHRs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Microsoft’s $16bn acquisition of Nuance in 2022 shows new levels of commitment, resources, and partnerships. Following the\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.modernhealthcare.com\u002Fdigital-health\u002Fhimss-2023-epic-microsoft-bring-openais-gpt-4-ehrs\" target=\"_blank\"> early 2023 announcements\u003C\u002Fa> of working on integrating GPT-4 into Epic’s EHR systems, Nuance’s artificial intelligence (AI) based \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.healthcareitnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fnuance-ai-copilot-now-fully-embedded-epic-ehr\" target=\"_blank\">DAX CoPilot is now fully embedded\u003C\u002Fa> in Epic EHR, and is available to hundreds of hospitals and health systems. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But Nuance’s DAX (and Dragon) are not the only ones offering AI scribes for medical purposes. A French contender, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002Fnabla-copilot-4-82088198\" target=\"_blank\">Nabla Copilot\u003C\u002Fa> is also successful \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hcinnovationgroup.com\u002Fanalytics-ai\u002Farticle\u002F53098833\u002Fchildrens-hospital-los-angeles-to-roll-out-nabla-copilot-ambient-ai-assistant\" target=\"_blank\">on the other side of the Atlantic\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By slashing the need to type into EHRs, physicians can spend more time with their patients and provide medical attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The healthcare sector shifted from paper records to administrators, electronic medical records, and now, voice-to-text applications. But it is not the end of the road. We are looking forward to the potential of \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhy-it-is-important-to-understand-multimodal-large-language-models-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Multimodal Large Language Models\u003C\u002Fa> (M-LLMs) which promise a comprehensive and efficient system, potentially reclaiming the human touch in medical care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4. AI in decision-making\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another technology with major potential to enhance the functioning of hospitals is artificial intelligence (AI). Its contribution ranges from reducing \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fambient-intelligence-and-emotion-ai-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">alarm fatigue\u003C\u002Fa> to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ftop-12-health-chatbots\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">triaging\u003C\u002Fa>, from administration to clinical decision-making. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AI can indeed assist in \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-has-a-i-in-medicine-ever-done-for-us\" target=\"_blank\">a multitude of diagnostic processes\u003C\u002Fa>. Such software can, for instance, provide pointers from medical data to help clinicians identify conditions such as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F23361114\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">ADHD\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC10731177\u002F#:~:text=AI%20can%20also%20help%20in,periodic%20leg%20movement%20disorders%2C%20etc.\" target=\"_blank\">sleep disorders\u003C\u002Fa>, and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fzebra-medical-vision-lands-fda-clearance-tool-detect-cardiovascular-disease\" target=\"_blank\">quantify coronary artery calcification\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"things you can and can't expect from A.I. in future hospitals\" class=\"wp-image-30779\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2020\u002F10\u002F214_tmf-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>Essentially, AI-powered tools can become the doctor’s new assistant that can crunch through volumes of data from their EHRs and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lunduniversity.lu.se\u002Farticle\u002Fai-supported-mammography-screening-found-be-safe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">radiological scans\u003C\u002Fa>. They can then \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-can-you-use-ai-in-your-healthcare-right-now\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">detect patterns and suspicious signs\u003C\u002Fa>, and provide recommendations. Physicians can subsequently interpret those recommendations and determine the optimal clinical route for the patient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One especially exciting aspect of the AI revolution is the field of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fgenerative-ai-explained-its-impact-and-future-in-healthcare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">generative AI\u003C\u002Fa>, and large (\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fusing-chatgpt-offline-the-emergence-of-small-language-models\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">and small\u003C\u002Fa>) language models in particular – a segment that stepped into the spotlight recently. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although these “general” large language models were not developed (and approved) for giving medical advice, medical LLMs do exist. One of the most prominent examples is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmedpalm-new-ai-medical-chatbots-will-soon-be-better-than-waiting-for-a-doctor\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Google’s Med-PaLM 2\u003C\u002Fa>. This LLM is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsites.research.google\u002Fmed-palm\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">specifically trained on a massive dataset of medical text\u003C\u002Fa>, including research papers, clinical notes, and textbooks. This specialised training allows Med-PaLM 2 to understand complex medical terminology and concepts and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Farxiv.org\u002Fpdf\u002F2305.09617.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">according to this pre-print paper\u003C\u002Fa>, with impressive accuracy. Med-PaLM 2 is not accessible to the general public, but the Mayo Clinic has \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theverge.com\u002F2023\u002F7\u002F8\u002F23788265\u002Fgoogle-med-palm-2-mayo-clinic-chatbot-bard-chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\">reportedly been testing\u003C\u002Fa> the system since 2023.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This brings us to the next major concept: multimodal large language models, or M-LLMs, we mentioned at the end of the previous segment. M-LLMs \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhy-it-is-important-to-understand-multimodal-large-language-models-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">will be crucial in the future of hospital\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhy-it-is-important-to-understand-multimodal-large-language-models-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">s\u003C\u002Fa>. Multimodal systems can process and interpret multiple types of input data, such as text, images, audio, and video, simultaneously. These M-LLM systems will eventually serve as a central hub for various unimodal AI applications in hospitals, translating between various technologies and humans, allowing a single, easy-to-use interface to control a wide range of applications. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AI has \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002FArtificialIntelligenceinHealthcare\" target=\"_blank\">a vast amount\u003C\u002Fa> of potential in healthcare and as it becomes integral to care delivery, hospitals should be able to accommodate them. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcloud-gaming-can-bring-artificial-intelligence-to-the-doctors-office\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cloud computing infrastructure\u003C\u002Fa> could be such a means to make healthcare facilities AI-ready, but the medical staff should also get acquainted with the technology and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F10-things-you-can-definitely-expect-from-the-future-of-healthcare-ai\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">its realistic potential\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5. Cybersecurity and how hospitals can keep patients’ data safe\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With the increased digitisation of healthcare, healthcare establishments will need to acknowledge the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fyour-privacy-in-the-digital-health-era-the-medical-futurists-guide\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">accompanying cybersecurity risks\u003C\u002Fa>. Cyberattacks, which \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aha.org\u002Faha-center-health-innovation-market-scan\u002F2023-10-10-how-prevent-high-impact-cyberattack\" target=\"_blank\">experienced a rise\u003C\u002Fa> in the past years, can \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealthitsecurity.com\u002Fnews\u002Fthe-10-biggest-healthcare-data-breaches-of-2020\" target=\"_blank\">compromise sensitive patient data\u003C\u002Fa> as well as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hhs.gov\u002Fblog\u002F2022\u002F02\u002F28\u002Fimproving-cybersecurity-posture-healthcare-2022.html\" target=\"_blank\">force the cancellation\u003C\u002Fa> of crucial services such as surgeries and radiology exams. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Hospitals should thus set up proper safeguarding protocols and approaches against cybercrimes. They can \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fcyberthreats-to-hospitals-2021\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">educate and train staff\u003C\u002Fa> to identify and counter activities of malicious third parties, which often \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.csoonline.com\u002Farticle\u002F3648654\u002Fsocial-engineering-definition-examples-and-techniques.html\" target=\"_blank\">exploit human psychology\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Regarding the technical aspect, anti-virus and anti-ransomware protection should be employed; and operating systems and software applications should be updated. Outdated software was in fact behind the leading cause of the infamous \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-nhs-ransomware-attack-data-privacy-in-digital-health-part-one\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WannaCry cyberattack on 61 NHS institutions\u003C\u002Fa> in 2017.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>On top of these cybersecurity concerns, hospitals will need to ensure that patients’ data are transparently handled. As they will increasingly employ AI tools, hospitals will need to use patient data to train the algorithms, often while collaborating with Big Tech companies. However, patients might not be explicitly informed of such uses of their data. The collaboration between Google’s DeepMind AI unit and the Royal Free London NHS Trust \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medicaldevice-network.com\u002Ffeatures\u002Fdata-privacy-advertising-amazon-and-artificial-intelligence\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">exemplifies this\u003C\u002Fa>. In the latter case, certain healthcare-related details of \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftechcrunch.com\u002F2016\u002F05\u002F04\u002Fconcerns-raised-over-broad-scope-of-deepmind-nhs-health-data-sharing-deal\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">some 1.6 million patients\u003C\u002Fa> were shared without properly informing patients of such use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While there is essentially no effective AI without patient data to train them on, privacy-focused training methods could be adopted. One such approach is decentralised \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffederated-learning-can-protect-patients-data-in-hospitals\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">federated learning\u003C\u002Fa>, which has been shown to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41746-020-00323-1\" target=\"_blank\">perform comparably\u003C\u002Fa> to other centralised models to deliver \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medrxiv.org\u002Fcontent\u002F10.1101\u002F2020.12.22.20245407v1.full\" target=\"_blank\">quality\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jmir.org\u002F2020\u002F10\u002Fe20891\" target=\"_blank\">reliable\u003C\u002Fa> performance. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Hospitals will thus need to ensure that patients’ data are handled responsibly and transparently; in particular in order to foster a trusting relationship between patients, hospitals and developers for effective digital health adoption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002Fhealthcare-privacy-768x463.png\" alt=\"healthcare privacy tmf hacker laptop computer data\" class=\"wp-image-47163\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002Fhealthcare-privacy-768x463.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002Fhealthcare-privacy-1536x926.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002Fhealthcare-privacy.png 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Cp>While these five trends indicate how the hospital in the future will operate, many more factors come into play. These range from specific design elements through the impact of tech giants to the new role of healthcare professionals. We provide in-depth analyses regarding how these elements factor in the functioning of the hospital of the future and we invite you to discover them in detail in our e-book \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fleanpub.com\u002Ffuture-of-hospitals\" target=\"_blank\">A Guide To The Future Of Hospitals\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>Written by Dr. Bertalan Meskó & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1650,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Let’s explore five important trends that will help shape the hospital of the future and how they will transform care!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",47421,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,224,63,225,946,1654,1655,465],499,516,[468,1657,1658,1659,1660,68,1661,1662,66,1663,1664,1665],7639,543,4471,609,4925,637,723,275,6743,[729,70,71,474],[],[1669,1670,1671,1672,1673,77,1674,1545,1675,1170,1171,607,608],1807,2125,2339,2605,2611,3825,4449,[1677,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,232,87,233,954,1678,1679,484,486,1680,1681,1682,1683,91,1684,1685,89,1686,1687,1688,742,92,93,491],"post-47227","category-healthcare-design","category-medical-education","tag-future-hospitals","tag-future-of-hospital","tag-remote-care","tag-healthcare-design","tag-point-of-care","tag-telehealth","tag-telemedicine","tag-healthcare","tag-hospitals",{"id":1651,"alt_text":7,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1690,"post":1636,"source_url":1705},{"width":1691,"height":863,"file":1692,"sizes":1693,"image_meta":1704},1280,"2022\u002F09\u002FFuture_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf.png",{"medium":1694,"large":1697,"thumbnail":1700,"medium_large":1703},{"file":1695,"width":501,"height":502,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1696},"Future_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002FFuture_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-370x208.png",{"file":1698,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1699},"Future_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002FFuture_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-768x432.png",{"file":1701,"width":513,"height":513,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1702},"Future_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002FFuture_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf-150x150.png",{"file":1698,"width":507,"height":508,"mime-type":106,"source_url":1699},{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F09\u002FFuture_of_Hospitals_Header_tmf.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"subtitle":7,"related_books":1707,"related_posts_footer":1708,"related_posts":54,"key_takeaways":1712},[146,1456,647],[1709,1710,1711],55367,55033,55227,[1713,1715],{"title":1714},"\u003Cp>We will have hospitals in 2040 too, but their roles will be different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1716},"\u003Cp>Parallel to this transformation, the roles of healthcare personnel will also be different with AI, remote care transforming diagnostics and patient-doctor interactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1646,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1718,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1644},"Let's explore five important trends that shape the hospital of the future and how they transform care and the role of patients and medical professionals!",{"self":1720,"collection":1725,"about":1727,"author":1729,"replies":1731,"version-history":1734,"predecessor-version":1738,"wp:featuredmedia":1742,"wp:attachment":1745,"wp:term":1748,"curies":1759},[1721],{"href":1722,"targetHints":1723},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F47227",{"allow":1724},[24],[1726],{"href":164},[1728],{"href":167},[1730],{"embeddable":38,"href":414},[1732],{"embeddable":38,"href":1733},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=47227",[1735],{"count":1736,"href":1737},34,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F47227\u002Frevisions",[1739],{"id":1740,"href":1741},60691,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F47227\u002Frevisions\u002F60691",[1743],{"embeddable":38,"href":1744},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F47421",[1746],{"href":1747},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=47227",[1749,1751,1753,1755,1757],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1750},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=47227",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1752},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=47227",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1754},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=47227",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1756},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=47227",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1758},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=47227",[1760],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":141,"date":1762,"date_gmt":1763,"guid":1764,"modified":1766,"modified_gmt":1767,"slug":1768,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1769,"title":1770,"content":1772,"excerpt":1774,"author":57,"featured_media":1776,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1777,"categories":1778,"tags":1779,"project_category":1783,"contact_email_category":1784,"yst_prominent_words":1785,"class_list":1790,"better_featured_image":1795,"acf":1825,"yoast_meta":1836,"_links":1838},"2026-04-30T10:22:39","2026-04-30T08:22:39",{"rendered":1765},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=57059&_wpnonce=43909a9351&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-04-30T10:22:40","2026-04-30T08:22:40","ai-in-medicine-3-future-scenarios-from-utopia-to-dystopia","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fai-in-medicine-3-future-scenarios-from-utopia-to-dystopia",{"rendered":1771},"AI In Medicine: 3 Future Scenarios From Utopia To Dystopia",{"rendered":1773,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>Ever find yourself pondering about the future of healthcare, with artificial intelligence either as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F4-exciting-examples-of-ai-diagnostics-already-in-use\" target=\"_blank\">our best mate\u003C\u002Fa> or our malevolent overlord? We all do. And let’s face it, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fai-assistance-in-clinical-trials-the-practical-opportunities\" target=\"_blank\">the reality\u003C\u002Fa> is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians\u002F\">somewhere in between\u003C\u002Fa> those Hollywood extremes. But where exactly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Let me show you how we can \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A. Model how various future scenarios might look like, and\u003Cbr>B. Determine the steps we need to take now to build a good future and avoid the nightmare scenarios\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We will employ a structured methodology to guide our exploration:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Select a common value: This will serve as our yardstick by which we measure all scenarios. In our case, this will be the doctor-patient connection.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Constructing the utopia: Imagining a world where this value thrives, leading to the best possible outcomes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Defining the dystopia: Exploring the bleak consequences if this value were to disappear.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Envisioning the mid-range scenario: Finding a balanced vision between the extremes, outlining its detailed aspects.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Finally, we’ll reverse engineer our way to this middle ground, identifying the steps we can take today to ensure that AI serves the best interests of patients and strengthens, rather than weakens, the doctor-patient bond.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utopia: an AI-augmented healthcare paradise\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In our utopian scenario, AI serves as the ultimate assistant to physicians, enhancing their capabilities without ever replacing them. Doctors have access to advanced AI tools that provide real-time data analysis, predictive diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans. Freed from administrative burdens and armed with a wealth of information, doctors can devote more time and energy to building meaningful relationships with their patients. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002Fdocsz\u002FAD_4nXctgN4HKirhv4XuR0CKWHeqmS0i2R7vL2YEg9shHtb6MQZLkxNMcdbqCO8zJZrfTmp8C8qKDBg-p0_0toeMUMn3bzPRQqvXNivGVDHGvTfOL8m436BC8297MmziX1VJJo1DFcTfMI7YXYkXiFZYXsTn_4w?key=EcRIIpmQXyjDr5rE_ZAzpQ\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Patients, in turn, benefit from AI-based technologies that are not only safe but also easily accessible, offering them tailored health insights and proactive care solutions. The human touch remains at the core of healthcare, with AI acting as a powerful ally in the pursuit of medical excellence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this ideal world, regulatory frameworks are both excellent and flexible, adapting swiftly to technological advancements while ensuring stringent safety and ethical standards. Companies respect boundaries, adhering to regulations that prioritise patient welfare and data privacy. Advanced encryption and security measures safeguard patient information, while the integration of AI leads to significant reductions in healthcare costs, making high-quality care more affordable and accessible to all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dystopia: the rise of the machines, the fall of compassion\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this grim future, the doctor-patient connection has become a relic of the past. AI algorithms, driven by relentless optimization and cost-cutting, have replaced human physicians in nearly every aspect of healthcare. Patients are reduced to data points; their unique stories and emotional needs are ignored in favor of standardised, one-size-fits-all treatment plans. The warmth of human interaction is replaced by cold, sterile efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Medical schools have become obsolete, as AI systems diagnose, treat, and even perform surgeries with greater accuracy and speed than any human could. The art of medicine is lost, replaced by a soulless science devoid of empathy or compassion. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Privacy is a distant memory, as the relentless pursuit of data to fuel AI development has led to a surveillance state. Personal health information is constantly harvested and analysed, with little regard for individual consent or security. The tech giants that develop and control these AI technologies hold immense power, dictating the direction of healthcare and prioritizing their interests over patient welfare. The result is a dehumanized healthcare system where patients are mere commodities, stripped of their agency and dignity. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The once-promising potential of AI in healthcare transforms into a nightmare where technology dehumanizes medicine and erodes trust in the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The middle-ground: a human-AI partnership in medicine\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this balanced future, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doctor-patient connection remains a core value\u003C\u002Fa> of healthcare, but AI plays a vital role in enhancing and expanding the capacities and reach of healthcare workers.  Algorithms have become trusted members of the medical team, sifting through mountains of data, identifying patterns, and generating insights that inform clinical decision-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Society has learned both culturally and technologically to harness the power of AI effectively. Medical professionals are trained not only in traditional medical knowledge but also in the use of AI tools, ensuring they can make the most of these advancements to improve patient outcomes. Patients benefit from a healthcare system that is more efficient, accurate, and personalised, without sacrificing the personal interactions that are crucial for holistic care. Regulations evolve at a pace that keeps up with innovations, ensuring that safety, privacy, and ethical considerations are always at the forefront. This regulatory agility creates an environment where AI can thrive while maintaining public trust and protecting patient rights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002Fdocsz\u002FAD_4nXfKwEiXEIXkXLxOX8qfz2N-8vN7eGMktwHrUi9Ly1y1m7mBPMctqag-sH9SvRaVa4rYAsmeEJcJX5nEGnKeNxFfBQ243tNM2u9o8ubidAGXpQxWPeSlO2ealnvzM08CIhoyWuSdrWrLiYt5S50_JYG6o6D8?key=EcRIIpmQXyjDr5rE_ZAzpQ\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In this balanced future, healthcare costs are optimized, and accessibility is improved without compromising quality or privacy. AI-driven efficiencies help reduce unnecessary expenses, making advanced medical care more affordable. Privacy is safeguarded through security measures and transparent practices, ensuring that patient data is used ethically and responsibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Backcasting: charting the path to a good future\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>To have the best achievable future where AI and human healthcare professionals work in harmony, we need to take steps today. We can determine three necessary pillars that help us save the core value of the doctor-patient connection: \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Highlighting the importance of human touch. Medical education must emphasize the irreplaceable value of empathy, communication, and the therapeutic relationship. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns can help patients understand the complementary roles of AI and human providers, fostering trust and collaboration.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Make more adapt regulations. We must engage regulators in ongoing dialogues about AI’s evolving capabilities and potential risks. This involves providing clear, accessible information about AI technologies, and creating a deeper understanding of their impact on healthcare work and patient outcomes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Prepare culturally. We need educational programs to boost AI literacy among both healthcare professionals and the general public. These programs should demystify AI, explaining its benefits, limitations, and applications in healthcare in an accessible manner. We need apps that encourage people to use safe AI tools, such as for health monitoring or virtual consultations. \u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A pie in the sky is not always a bad thing\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Don’t count your chickens before they hatch! Don’t build castles in the air! You have your head in the clouds! There are so many proverbs about the useless nature of daydreaming that many of us feel a pang of guilt when contemplating the future. However, there’s a vast difference between baseless fantasizing and realistic forward planning. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, on a smaller scale, we all understand this intuitively. We don’t look askance at someone who carefully plans what they need to buy for an evening dinner party. Yet, on a larger scale, we often act as if we have no influence over what the future holds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Structured methodologies like the one we’ve explored help us learn how to “dream well” in a way that yields achievable, valuable outcomes. These practices ensure that our visions for the future are not just imaginative but also practical and attainable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1775,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>There’s a vast difference between baseless fantasizing and realistic forward planning. Structured methodologies help us learn how to “dream well”.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",57061,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,224,946],[1780,1165,1781,1782],247,7963,7973,[70,474],[],[607,1786,855,1787,1788,1170,1789],1787,1837,2131,1707,[1791,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,232,954,1792,1179,1793,1794,92,491],"post-57059","tag-future-of-medicine","tag-futures-methods","tag-future-of-ai",{"id":1776,"alt_text":1796,"caption":7,"description":7,"media_type":95,"media_details":1797,"post":141,"source_url":1824},"AI in medicine",{"width":97,"height":98,"file":1798,"filesize":1799,"sizes":1800,"image_meta":1822},"2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423.png",616424,{"medium":1801,"large":1805,"thumbnail":1809,"medium_large":1813,"1536x1536":1814,"2048x2048":1818},{"file":1802,"width":104,"height":105,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1803,"source_url":1804},"tmf_article_423-370x208.png",33071,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423-370x208.png",{"file":1806,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1807,"source_url":1808},"tmf_article_423-768x432.png",76743,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423-768x432.png",{"file":1810,"width":117,"height":117,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1811,"source_url":1812},"tmf_article_423-150x150.png",12996,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423-150x150.png",{"file":1806,"width":111,"height":112,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1807,"source_url":1808},{"file":1815,"width":123,"height":124,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1816,"source_url":1817},"tmf_article_423-1536x864.png",167740,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423-1536x864.png",{"file":1819,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":106,"filesize":1820,"source_url":1821},"tmf_article_423-2048x1152.png",233229,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":134,"credit":7,"camera":7,"caption":7,"created_timestamp":134,"copyright":7,"focal_length":134,"iso":134,"shutter_speed":134,"title":7,"orientation":134,"keywords":1823},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_423.png",{"cta_type":138,"cta_color":7,"related_posts_footer":1826,"related_posts":54,"related_books":1828,"subtitle":7,"key_takeaways":1829},[1827,1581,1580],17884,[1330,648,1583],[1830,1832,1834],{"title":1831},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We’re often told that daydreaming and envisioning the future is a waste of time. But this notion is misguided.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1833},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We all instinctively plan for the future in small ways, like organizing a trip or preparing for a dinner party. This same principle can be applied to larger-scale issues, and smart planning does bring better results.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1835},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We show you a method that allows us to think “well” about the future on a larger scale so that it better meets our needs.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1771,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1837,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1769},"There's a vast difference between baseless fantasizing and realistic forward planning. Structured methodologies help us learn how to \"dream well\".",{"self":1839,"collection":1844,"about":1846,"author":1848,"replies":1850,"version-history":1853,"predecessor-version":1857,"wp:featuredmedia":1861,"wp:attachment":1864,"wp:term":1867,"curies":1878},[1840],{"href":1841,"targetHints":1842},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57059",{"allow":1843},[24],[1845],{"href":164},[1847],{"href":167},[1849],{"embeddable":38,"href":170},[1851],{"embeddable":38,"href":1852},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=57059",[1854],{"count":1855,"href":1856},15,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57059\u002Frevisions",[1858],{"id":1859,"href":1860},60689,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F57059\u002Frevisions\u002F60689",[1862],{"embeddable":38,"href":1863},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F57061",[1865],{"href":1866},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=57059",[1868,1870,1872,1874,1876],{"taxonomy":11,"embeddable":38,"href":1869},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=57059",{"taxonomy":192,"embeddable":38,"href":1871},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=57059",{"taxonomy":195,"embeddable":38,"href":1873},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=57059",{"taxonomy":198,"embeddable":38,"href":1875},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=57059",{"taxonomy":201,"embeddable":38,"href":1877},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=57059",[1879],{"name":36,"href":37,"templated":38},{"id":1881,"date":1882,"date_gmt":1883,"guid":1884,"modified":1886,"modified_gmt":1887,"slug":1888,"status":47,"type":48,"link":1889,"title":1890,"content":1892,"excerpt":1894,"author":57,"featured_media":1896,"comment_status":59,"ping_status":59,"sticky":38,"template":7,"format":60,"meta":1897,"categories":1898,"tags":1899,"project_category":1900,"contact_email_category":1901,"yst_prominent_words":1902,"class_list":1905,"better_featured_image":1907,"acf":1937,"yoast_meta":1945,"_links":1947},55303,"2026-04-30T10:22:12","2026-04-30T08:22:12",{"rendered":1885},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=55303&_wpnonce=f90f347a6c&status=auto-draft&type=post","2026-04-30T10:22:13","2026-04-30T08:22:13","10-things-you-can-definitely-expect-from-the-future-of-healthcare-ai","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F10-things-you-can-definitely-expect-from-the-future-of-healthcare-ai",{"rendered":1891},"10 Things You Can Definitely Expect From The Future Of Healthcare AI",{"rendered":1893,"protected":54},"\n\u003Cp>The steady cadence of a heart monitor. The anxious wait for test results. These define a patient’s experience, but for healthcare professionals, they are also points of friction. Missed information, redundant diagnostics, or the struggle to make time for true connection… these burdens hinder the most skilled and compassionate providers. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Artificial intelligence promises material changes on both sides of the stethoscope. By streamlining processes, pinpointing insights, and augmenting decision-making, AI won’t just change how care is delivered – it will reshape the very experience of both giving and receiving that care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>We have written so much about various details of this revolution in the past period, so it was time to come up with a high-level overview of what we can certainly expect from AI in medicine. We have 10 predictions, coming from four distinct facets of the healthcare spectrum. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ultimate interface to AI\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1) The future of large language models (LLMs) is multimodal\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Healthcare isn’t one-dimensional. Physicians synthesize information from conversations, scans, lab results, and a patient’s gestures to reach a diagnosis. Until now, AI has largely worked in silos – analysing text, interpreting images, and so on. To use a simple analogy: current LLMs are like individual tools in a toolbox— a hammer is great for nails, a saw for wood, etc. But a good builder needs to use them in combination. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Medicine demands this multifaceted approach. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jmir.org\u002F2023\u002F1\u002Fe52865\" target=\"_blank\">Multimodal AI\u003C\u002Fa> is about giving the algorithm a whole toolbox, not just a single tool. The true revolution will come when AI models can mimic the clinician’s multi-pronged approach. We already see \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhy-it-is-important-to-understand-multimodal-large-language-models-in-healthcare\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">the early stages of this with multimodal LLMs\u003C\u002Fa>, and their impact will only deepen. Imagine an AI partner as multifaceted as the challenges it aims to solve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2) Data annotators will be celebrated\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Multimodal AI might usher in futuristic visions, but its foundation is decidedly unglamorous: meticulously labeled data. Think of every X-ray painstakingly annotated with diagnoses, medical conversations transcribed, and the subtle nuances of lab report values precisely defined. This work \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fjmai.amegroups.com\u002Farticle\u002Fview\u002F5208\">is the lifeblood of accurate AI\u003C\u002Fa>, yet it often goes unnoticed and under-appreciated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The path to reliably working medical AI is built with a hidden, but crucial workforce: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdata-annotation\u002F\">data annotators\u003C\u002Fa>. Their meticulous labeling of medical images, conversations, and test results is the unseen foundation upon which accurate AI models are built. In the rush towards futuristic visions, it’s easy to overlook these essential contributors. It’s time to recognize data annotators as vital players in the AI healthcare revolution, ensuring their work is valued and compensated. We must also create systems for recognition and career paths within the field, for without their expertise, even the most sophisticated algorithms will crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI’s impact\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3) AI will not replace physicians or make specialties vanish\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite the breathless headlines, the fear that AI will replace doctors \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-reasons-artificial-intelligence-wont-replace-physicians\u002F#\" target=\"_blank\">is very likely unfounded\u003C\u002Fa>. While AI will undoubtedly change how physicians work, it won’t eliminate the need for their expertise, judgement, and human connection. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Instead of displacement, the future of healthcare lies in intelligent partnerships between humans and algorithms. AI will become a powerful tool, augmenting physicians’ abilities and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Let’s explore why this is a near certainty… While AI excels at pattern recognition and data analysis, it lacks the empathy essential for patient-centered care. Physicians, in contrast, use a non-linear approach, integrating intuition, experience, and a deep understanding of their patients’ unique needs. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Additionally, complex AI tools will always demand skilled practitioners to interpret their output and ensure responsible application. And as history consistently demonstrates, technological advancement creates new roles and opportunities rather than simply replacing existing ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4) AI will primarily take over repetitive and data-based tasks\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AI’s most immediate impact in healthcare won’t be stealing doctors’ jobs, but rather stealing away the drudgery. The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ftowards-creativity-in-healthcare-the-impact-of-digital-technologies-on-medical-specialties-in-an-infographic\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">repetitive, data-driven tasks\u003C\u002Fa> that weigh down physicians – from analyzing scans to sifting through medical records – are prime targets for AI automation. This won’t just save time; it will transform the very nature of medical practice as the human role shifts away from the mundane and toward tasks demanding creativity, connection, and complex problem-solving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh7-us.googleusercontent.com\u002FWtqLQZa8A1f-XJago-MBOKcntxEY3FpdzEp0yAZqkhsIF0H8Ier3BlHx-1ePqZHVHuYka-cqAZpBYqSwKTwLVpii1EWGE4cei5rAGMaThAQU6FLYYrm3wWeNR_XpKX3tgj7sP4cpZw9o7y8FDIda8-Q\" alt=\"\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As research consistently shows, the best outcomes arise from intelligent human-machine collaboration. By taking on the analytical heavy lifting, AI will free physicians to focus on the art of medicine. This means more time for patient interaction, greater space for nuanced diagnoses, and the exploration of novel treatment strategies. While the fear of AI replacement is understandable, the reality is that doctors who embrace AI as a powerful tool stand to elevate both their profession and the care they provide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5) AI will find unusual biomedical associations and biomarkers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>AI is poised to become an invaluable tool for uncovering hidden patterns and connections in the vast landscape of medical data. Like a detective with superhuman perception, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-curious-case-of-a-i-discovering-unusual-associations-in-medicine\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI can spot subtle anomalies or correlations\u003C\u002Fa> that elude even the most experienced human physicians. Race prediction from X-rays, or diabetes detection through voice analysis – these are just early examples of AI identifying biomarkers no human anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While such discoveries raise valid concerns about bias and explainability, they also signal a revolutionary shift in medical research. Imagine AI uncovering previously unseen risk factors for devastating diseases or pinpointing the subtle markers that predict which patients will best respond to specific therapies. These unusual associations aren’t just AI curiosities; they challenge us to decipher the algorithm’s logic and unlock new frontiers of medical understanding. Medical detective work will have a new aim: to understand how AI finds what it finds, ensuring these groundbreaking insights are used ethically and for the betterment of patient care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills you will need\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>6) You will need a common language with AI to understand its progress – and it’s not coding\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Contrary to popular belief, the language of AI isn’t Python or Java. The true common tongue is anticipation. Understanding how AI algorithms approach problems, anticipate consequences, and learn from their mistakes is essential for doctors seeking to effectively collaborate with these systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Luckily, this doesn’t require coding classes. Activities like chess, go, or even strategy-based video games (like StarCraft) \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fwhat-i-learnt-about-a-i-by-playing-1000-hours-of-chess-in-a-year\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">cultivate the same anticipatory mindset\u003C\u002Fa>. They immerse you in worlds where you must analyse complex scenarios, predict multiple moves ahead, and iteratively adapt based on an opponent’s (or an algorithm’s) actions. Physicians who approach AI with this gamer-like problem-solving mentality will be well-positioned to unlock its potential and guide its development in healthcare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>7) Prompt engineering is the number one tech skill for medical professionals in the generative AI era\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>If anticipation is the language of AI, then let’s see how you can improve your pronunciation – or to put it technically: learn prompt engineering. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The AI revolution isn’t just about technology – it’s also about \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jmir.org\u002F2023\u002F1\u002Fe50638\" target=\"_blank\">how we interact with it\u003C\u002Fa>. In the era of generative AI, those who\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fprompt-engineering-11-tips-to-craft-great-chatgpt-prompts\u002F\" target=\"_blank\"> master the art of communication with these algorithms\u003C\u002Fa> will have a distinct advantage. Prompt engineering, the skill of crafting effective prompts that guide AI models, will become an essential tool for physicians seeking to harness AI’s potential in patient care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Think of it like this: physicians already ‘prompt’ patients to gain the information needed for diagnosis. With AI, the skill evolves. Mastering prompt engineering will allow doctors to pinpoint the most accurate information, request tailored analyses, and ensure the AI’s output aligns precisely with their patient’s needs. Those who embrace this skillset will not only improve their efficiency but will also unlock the true promise of the human-AI partnership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Challenges\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>8) We need proper guidelines about health equity and fighting bias\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Bias and lack of equity are among the most urgent challenges as AI transforms healthcare. The good news: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F4-approaches-to-eliminate-bias-in-healthcare-a-i\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">we’re already seeing efforts\u003C\u002Fa>, from technical toolkits to research frameworks, to tackle these issues head-on. However, translating these solutions into widespread practice requires a foundation of clear, actionable guidelines. Expect a surge in standards focused on data fairness, algorithmic transparency, and the ongoing monitoring of AI systems in real-world settings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>These guidelines won’t just protect patients; they’ll be essential for building trust and broad acceptance of AI in medicine. Doctors seeking to uphold the principle of ‘do no harm’ in the AI era will need fluency \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.research.google\u002F2024\u002F03\u002Fheal-framework-for-health-equity.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in these equity standards\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>9) Adaptive AI and generative AI will get new regulatory categories\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Generative and adaptive AI pose a thrilling, yet unprecedented \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-current-state-of-fda-approved-ai-based-medical-devices\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">challenge for regulatory bodies\u003C\u002Fa>. Unlike static medical devices or software, these algorithms evolve and continuously learn. This is a brand new challenge: the likes of the FDA never before had to figure out a suitable framework for something that might be different by tomorrow. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This requires a regulatory approach that balances innovation with patient safety. We expect the emergence of entirely new categories and flexible frameworks specifically designed to govern these dynamic AI systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Healthcare professionals will need to become active participants in shaping these new regulatory standards. Understanding the unique challenges of generative and adaptive AI, as well as engaging in the ethical considerations surrounding their use, will be vital. Only by working in partnership with regulators can healthcare providers ensure a future where AI innovation flourishes while patient well-being remains the guiding principle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>10) Medicine and healthcare will struggle to adapt and filter deepfakes\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, medicine faces a unique vulnerability. Patients could \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-to-spot-if-your-remote-care-physician-is-an-a-i\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">encounter deepfake doctors\u003C\u002Fa>, convincingly mimicking their trusted healthcare providers. Fabricated patient records or misleading research data have the potential to disrupt care and erode trust. Healthcare institutions will struggle to adapt, requiring both healthcare personnel and patients to be educated on the potential threats of deepfakes. Developing robust methods for identifying and combating deepfakes will become a critical priority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This is where medical professionals need to be vigilant. We must question the authenticity of information, especially AI-generated content, to foster a culture of skepticism within the field. The trust patients place in healthcare hinges on our ability to discern fact from fiction in an era where the lines are increasingly blurred. Will you have secret passwords with your patients? While it’s too early to predict specific solutions, staying ahead of the deepfake curve is essential to protect both our patients and the integrity of medical knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The AI healthcare revolution won’t unfold in isolation\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The future of AI in healthcare is undeniably complex, but it brims with transformative potential. From unlocking hidden biomarkers to streamlining administrative burdens, AI will improve patient care and redefine the role of physicians. However, this revolution won’t unfold on its own. It requires collaboration between physicians, technologists, regulators, and patients. Healthcare professionals need to embrace this change and use their ethical compass to shape the future of medicine for the better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While AI promises to augment our abilities, it’s essential to remember that healthcare remains a fundamentally human endeavor. The most sophisticated algorithm can never replace empathy, intuition, or the healing power of the patient-doctor bond. Technology can serve as a powerful tool, empowering us to provide better, more compassionate care for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":1895,"protected":54},"\u003Cp>Artificial Intelligence promises material changes on both sides of the stethoscope, but this revolution won’t unfold on its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",55315,{"_acf_changed":54,"footnotes":7},[5,63],[68,467,66],[70],[],[1545,1170,1171,608,855,1903,1904],2015,2613,[1906,48,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,91,485,89,92],"post-55303",{"id":1896,"alt_text":1908,"caption":7,"description":1908,"media_type":95,"media_details":1909,"post":1881,"source_url":1936},"AI, doctor, screen, 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unlocking hidden biomarkers to streamlining administrative burdens, AI will improve patient care and redefine the role of physicians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1942},"\u003Cp>Technology can serve as a powerful tool, but healthcare remains a fundamentally human endeavor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":1944},"\u003Cp>This technological revolution won’t unfold on its own, it requires collaboration between physicians, technologists, regulators, and patients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":1891,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":1946,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":1889},"Artificial Intelligence promises material changes on both sides of the stethoscope, but this revolution won't unfold on its 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