Jordi Cusidó
Global R&D Manager, Top Doctors
Patient choice is more than just selecting the best healthcare professional; it’s also about healthcare providers connecting properly. Hospitals are exploring how AI-driven technology can help improve patient support.
Healthcare professionals are responsible not just for treating their patients but also for building systems that are smart enough to improve the healthcare economy and the patient experience. Jordi Cusidó, Global Head of Research & Innovation at Top Doctors, highlights some critical areas of impact.
Easier access to patient records
Cusidó points out that having a centralised yet secure system can streamline patient access to their own health records. This is crucial for continuity of care, particularly for those who move cities or switch healthcare providers. The cloud-based AI platform aims to fill this gap by collecting and securely storing patient data.
Enhanced decision-making through AI
Platforms like Mona and Global EHR utilise AI algorithms not just for administrative functions but also for clinical decision-making. This is revolutionary as it can drastically improve patient outcomes. For instance, in remote locations, telemedicine can be facilitated for timely and expert intervention — potentially saving lives.
Security and interoperability
“Data can be stolen or hacked, so it is vital that everything is correctly anonymised and ready to be shared in a secure and appropriate way,” says Cusidó. Cybersecurity incidents can be costly, with the average data breach in healthcare costing around $7.13 million in 2020, according to ‘The Data Breach’ report from IBM. Enhancing data security can result in significant savings.
A total of 70% of pharmaceutical costs come
from drugs not being taken correctly.
Cost-effective administration
“We have a booking system that is cost-effective in reducing administration time and reducing absenteeism,” he says. Even if we conservatively estimate a 10% reduction in administration time across 2,500 clinics, the cost savings could be substantial, potentially amounting to tens of millions annually.
Improved drug adherence
“A total of 70% of pharmaceutical costs come from drugs not being taken correctly,” Cusidó states. “If Avatar can even make a 5% dent in this number, that can translate into billions in savings globally, given the hundreds of billions spent on pharmaceuticals annually.”
Avatar provides 24/7 pharmacist assistance for patients, reducing waiting times for health services. It is a conversational AI based on large language models, providing information on medical records and procedures.
Enhanced patient experience
“The Avatar technology has changed the way the public interacts with healthcare… We call this the personalisation of medicine,” says Cusidó. While hard to quantify, personalised medicine could lead to more effective treatments and shorter hospital stays, contributing to further cost savings and better patient outcomes.
Revenue generation
“AI development, by opening new revenue models, means clients can profit from their own data securely — whether with pharmaceuticals or clinical studies,” he explains. This could generate millions in additional revenue, enhancing the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.
Future implications
“Better connectivity between healthcare systems is the next step,” Cusidó adds. Improved interconnectivity could streamline operations across hospitals, reducing redundant tests and procedures and thereby saving millions.
By putting hard numbers and impactful quotes together, the case for modernising the healthcare economy becomes even more compelling. It’s not just about significant cost savings and revenue opportunities but about potential improvements in patient care.