Technology and human providers can flourish as a team when properly deployed.
For example, ICU-based physical therapists at Johns Hopkins were able to employ video game-based “Wii-hab” with critically ill patients. Over 42 sessions, there were zero safety events, and the patients and providers alike appreciated the variety that the games brought to their sessions.
Humans can also offer compassion and flexibility while informed by their medtech teammates. Medical AI may be increasingly accurate and efficient, but so far, we have yet to develop a compassionate robot. Human providers can be caring and flexible in their thinking in a way that computerized programs cannot.
Finally, research shows that patients appreciate the personalization of care to their unique needs. Therefore, providers must be willing and able to proactively customize the medtech they use for each patient.