I’ve been following the topic of artificial intelligence with avid interest since approximately 2010 when the first discussions of driverless cars became hot topics in the tech world.
AI represents a world of promise
As a person with disabilities, the idea of a driverless vehicle represents a new level of freedom. I’m unable to drive and am constantly dependent on others to assist me with transportation. People with disabilities rate transportation as a bigger problem than employment discrimination and access to healthcare. Only access to housing rates higher.
The concept of being able to input a destination into my smartphone, secure myself inside my van, and let it autonomously drive to the chosen location, locate suitable parking, and release the wheelchair locks for easy exit evolved into a persistent daydream.
Driverless vehicles require much more than sensors and robotics. They require artificial intelligence (AI). They have to make decisions based on massive amounts of input in real-time. The progress has been remarkable, however, I recognize that driverless vehicles must be trusted by consumers before we will see any widespread use.
Until that day, freedom is still a daydream.
ChatGPT amazed us in 2023
Last year the emergence of ChatGPT, an open-source project of Open AI, amazed the world with its capabilities of large language models (LLMs) to interpret human speech and return thoughtful and in-depth responses. ChatGPT forced the hands of the big tech firms to reveal the progress they’ve made independently. Virtually every major technology company has been developing artificial intelligence behind a curtain.
Suddenly everyone in the business world was examining ways to use AI to improve their workflows, administration, productivity, interconnectivity, and of course, profitability.
Using AI in home healthcare
I began thinking “How could AI be used in home healthcare and non-medical home care services to improve client care and agency administration?” Here are some of my thoughts projected over the next 10 years. Several of them could be implemented with today’s current technology.
AI has the potential to significantly impact home healthcare agencies in the future by introducing various technologies and solutions to improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency.
10 ways AI will improve the future for home healthcare agencies
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): AI-powered devices can monitor patients’ health remotely, collecting data on vital signs, medication adherence, and other relevant metrics. This enables healthcare providers to intervene early if any issues arise.
Predictive Analytics: AI algorithms can analyze patient data to identify trends and predict potential health issues. This can help caregivers and healthcare professionals proactively address problems before they become serious.
Virtual Health Assistants: AI-driven virtual assistants can provide patients with information about their conditions, medication reminders, and even answer basic healthcare-related queries. These assistants can improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
Personalized Treatment Plans: AI can analyze patient data, including genetic information, to create personalized treatment plans. This can optimize the effectiveness of healthcare interventions by tailoring them to each individual’s unique needs.
Workflow Automation: AI can automate administrative tasks, scheduling, and documentation, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals and allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Real-Time Caregiver Tracking: The next generation of EVV (electronic visit verification) apps will not only improve check-in/checkout, but could empower your agency to provide real-time notifications to caregivers, clients, and families. An app could track your caregiver from the moment they leave home offering information about best routes to next visit, schedule changes, and notify clients when a caregiver is running late.
Fall Detection and Prevention: AI-powered sensors and cameras can be used to detect falls or other emergencies in the home. This technology can automatically alert healthcare providers or emergency services, improving response times.
Medication Management: AI can assist in medication management by providing reminders, monitoring medication adherence, and alerting healthcare providers if a patient is not following their prescribed medication regimen.
Telehealth and Telemedicine: AI facilitates remote consultations and diagnostics, allowing healthcare professionals to connect with patients virtually. This is particularly beneficial for those with difficulty traveling to healthcare facilities.
Rehabilitation Support: AI can assist in designing personalized rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries. Virtual reality and motion tracking technologies can be integrated to monitor progress and provide real-time feedback.
Emotional Support and Mental Health Monitoring: AI can monitor patients’ mental health by analyzing speech patterns, facial expressions, or other indicators. Virtual mental health assistants can provide support and connect patients with appropriate resources.
Responsible caregiving is paramount
It’s important to note that while AI holds great promise in the healthcare sector, ethical considerations, data privacy, and regulatory compliance must be carefully addressed to ensure the responsible and secure implementation of these technologies.
For AI to be truly valuable, it must be created with trustworthiness in mind. Agencies must be able to trust the data being analyzed, and patients must be able to trust the results formulated through artificial intelligence.
