News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Hans Bromwich, Cowes. Ed
Like many I’ve been wondering why is Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, playing hardball with Junior Doctors?
All has become much clearer reading between the lines of the NHS Longterm Work Force Plan, which was introduced last week in the House of Commons. Yes, it highlighted the need for more GPs, midwives, dentists, but then went on to talk more generically about ‘NHS staff’, along with stressing the importance of offering retraining opportunities for existing NHS staff. Interestingly at no point did Steve Barclay mention Junior Doctors. Why not?
Introducing medical technicians
Perhaps much of the role of Junior Doctors, and in some cases Consultants, will soon be undertaken by a new breed of NHS worker? Much quicker to train, and cheaper to employ, Medical Technicians.
Our NHS is about to go through radical change. In a sense, the journey has already begun. Several years ago it was reported tech savvy sixth formers were being employed to operate Cornwall’s 111 system during evenings. All the call handler needed to do was work through a sequential list of questions on their computer, and follow onscreen prompts. No medical training needed.
The rise of AI
Early diagnosis and treatment are seen as key in driving down costs whilst improving standards. Rather than relying on humans, AI, with its incredible learning capability will provide increasingly more accurate diagnoses instantaneously, along with suggesting the most appropriate treatment pathways.
Much of the traditional role of junior doctors, and in some cases consultants, will become redundant as Artificial Intelligence becomes the key determinant in ensuring the best clinical outcomes for patients.
A precautionary note
But one word of caution, all this is not without its dangers. Numerous considerations, not necessarily all clinical, can be feed into AI systems without the patient ever knowing. Societal factors, cost limitations, availability, demand pressures, and much, much more could very easily be factored in at the flick of a switch.
Best of luck discussing your condition if ‘the computer says no’.
Image: marcelo leal under CC BY 2.0
