The majority of clinicians feel overwhelmed by the amount of data they deal with in their profession, according to a global poll of doctors and nurses.
The report, which forecasts how clinicians of the future with address current healthcare gaps and challenges, also suggests that technology literacy will become one of the most valuable skills of healthcare professionals in the next 10 years.
Thousands of doctors and nurses were surveyed globally to identify gaps and future-proof today’s healthcare system for the report.
It predicts that over the next ten years “technology literacy” will become the most valuable capability of clinicians, ranking higher than “clinical knowledge.” In fact, 56 per cent of clinicians predict they will base most of their clinical decisions using tools that utilise artificial intelligence.
However, 69 per cent report being overwhelmed with the current volume of data, with similar levels predicting the widespread use of digital health technologies to become an even more challenging burden in the future. As a result, 83 per cent believe training needs to be overhauled so they can keep pace with technological advancements.
Clinicians predict a blended approach to healthcare with 63 per cent saying most consultations between clinicians and patients will be remote and 49 per cent saying most healthcare will be provided in a patient’s home instead of in a healthcare setting.
While clinicians may save time and see more patients thanks to telehealth, more than half of clinicians believe telehealth will negatively impact their ability to demonstrate empathy with patients they no longer see in person. As a result, clinicians are calling for guidance on when to use telehealth and how to transfer soft skills like empathy to the computer screen.
Furthermore, clinicians are concerned about a global healthcare workforce shortage, with 74 per cent predicting there will be a shortage of nurses and 68 per cent predicting a shortage of doctors in 10 years’ time.
This may be why global clinicians say a top support priority is increasing the number of healthcare workers in the coming decade. Clinicians require the support of larger, better equipped teams and expanded multidisciplinary healthcare teams, such as data analysts, data security experts and scientists, as well as clinicians themselves.
The report was published by Elsevier Health in partnership with Ipsos. It involved a quantitative global survey, qualitative interviews and roundtable discussions with around 3,000 practicing doctors and nurses around the world.
Elsevier president Jan Herzhoff said: “Doctors and nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of our society. Ensuring they are being heard will enable them to get the support they need to deliver better patient care in these difficult times.
‘We must start to shift the conversation away from discussing today’s healthcare problems to delivering solutions that will help improve patient outcomes. In our research, they have been clear about the areas they need support; we must act now to protect, equip and inspire the clinician of the future.”
Reacting to the findings of the report, Charles Alessi, MD, chief clinical officer, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), said: “As a practicing doctor, I am acutely aware of the struggles today’s clinicians face in their efforts to care for patients.
“This [is] an opportunity for the industry to listen — and act — on the pivotal guidance given by those on the frontlines.”
