Commentary
TECHNOLOGY ROUND OF 32 RESULTS: AI GOES VIRAL
It should come as no surprise that the artificial intelligence (AI) training camp has fully invaded the Technology region. While it’s lurked around the edges of many trends throughout this championship tournament history, AI has exploded on the scene this year with players on multiple teams in multiple regions. Other macrotrends showing up strong in the Technology region are consumerism and the capacity of technology to solve critical healthcare challenges.
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Here’s what went down in this region’s first four contests:
AI’s Resurgent Debut Trounces Voice-First Healthcare Interfaces
Voice-First Healthcare Interfaces (8), seen as a powerful tool to help older patients navigate care using simple voice commands, bravely took on AI’s Resurgent Debut (1), a trend that shows a mainstreaming of AI for front office solutions. However, the “little engine that could” simply couldn’t against the behemoth that is AI. And like many of this year’s matchups, one doesn’t exist without the other. AI’s Resurgent Debut dominates this game 4-0.
“VOICE-FIRST INTERFACES ARE AI.”
Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Rise in New Areas Defeats Increased Demand for Patient Portals and Digital Engagement
The Committee agreed that there were problems with this “snoozer” matchup between a rookie and a washed-up team, with neither of these a serious contender. While Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Rise in New Areas (2) is gaining more traction, it still relies on underdeveloped models and doesn’t close the loop with clinicians, said one Committee member. And while Demand for Patient Portals and Digital Engagement (7) is real, it’s old news and not getting much new investment from team owners. With a shrug, Digital Therapeutics takes the win 3-1.
“DTX HAS SOME INTERESTING STUFF GOING ON. NEXT YEAR MAY BE STRONGER FOR THIS TREND.”
Predictive Analytics for Population Health Outmatched by Rise of Telehealth in Specialty Care
Telehealth is no stranger to the dance, and this year the team takes the form of Rise of Telehealth in Specialty Care (6) as a challenger to the higher-seeded Predictive Analytics for Population Health (3). This game was over before the half, with all Committee members concurring that a) Telehealth has secured its rightful place in healthcare delivery, b) Telehealth is easing the workforce shortage and c) Telehealth is closing the access gap in rural areas, especially those that are deploying investments in broadband infrastructure. Predictive Analytics goes down with barely a whimper, 4-0.
“SPECIALTY HEALTH IS THE CLEAR WINNER, WITH A LOT MORE INNOVATION TO COME.”
AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support Falls to Continued Rise of Consumer-Facing Digital Technologies
While AI is an undisputable monster macrotrend, in the limited iteration of clinical decision support it still comes up short. As clinicians and patients, we are just not ready to officially hand over healthcare to the computer. Consumer-facing digital technologies, however, are on a rampage, with one Committee member claiming that one-third to one-half of all consumers now use a “health entertainment device” to track their health metrics. With a final score of 3-1, Continued Rise of Consumer-Facing Digital Technologies (5) bests AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support (4).
“CURIOSITY, HARMLESSNESS AND CONSUMER CONTROL ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR CONSUMER HEALTH DEVICES.”
What trends do you think are the biggest healthcare change-makers?
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