Future Health - 1/30/20
Delivering care in the new virtual world…
The New World of Learning – It seems that knowledge is no longer held in places of higher learning. In fact, in “Tweets” (you know – the magical place where all knowledge now resides), it seems that physicians are watching YouTube videos as part of their preparation for conducting surgical procedures. It makes “see one, do one, teach one” seem quaint. The only problem is that many of the videos are showing unsafe and even sub-optical approaches to surgical interventions. Hmmm… Perhaps there is a better way?
Use Of Virology In Treatment Protocols – In the recent issue of Gene Therapy based on research completed in Brazil at the Sao Paulo State Cancer Institute, the researchers used a manipulated virus which was injected into mice, and was described as a way of treating mouse prostate cancer. Who knew that mice have prostate cancer? More importantly, prostate cancer is among one of the top two most frequent cancers in men right up there after the incidence of lung cancer. There were two results in the study. First, many of the cancer cells were destroyed as a result of the injections. Second, the cancer cells were also deemed to be more susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs. These findings while new – point toward a new direction in the treatment of cancers – and, as likely – other disease states as well. Keep your eyes out for these new directions in cancer treatment. No doubt, there will be more to come.
Artificial Intelligence and Medical Diagnosis – There is increasing evidence that the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be serving as critical adjuncts to the care delivery process. In fact, I have described these capabilities as “clinical augmented intelligence”. Business Insider Intelligence recently put together a comprehensive analysis on the impact of artificial intelligence in clinical care. If you’re leading efforts to determine which directions in the use of AI/ML will be the most productive, it would be worth obtaining a copy of the report. Some of the key findings of the report include two important points. First, the use of AI in diagnostic imaging, clinical decision support, and precision medicine offers the greatest cost savings and efficiency opportunities across hospitals. And, second, it is important for US hospitals to begin the process of developing and implementing effective AI strategies. Those health care systems which are moving forward with effective AI strategies will be reaping the rewards on AI use that supports improved outcomes, efficiencies, and/or reduced costs. The report is worthy of your consideration and there are no benefits that accrue to The Fickenscher Files!
