The Future of Healthcare Technology and Human Factors

Abstract

The healthcare industry is undergoing transformative changes driven by technological innovation, workforce demands, and evolving patient needs. Staying ahead of these trends is critical to preparing future leaders for a career in health administration. The University of Cincinnati’s Executive Master of Health Administration (MHA) Program recognizes that forward-thinking education in emerging issues empowers our students to respond to challenges and contribute to advancements in the field. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an example of a rapidly evolving technology with complex implications in healthcare.

The rapid evolution of healthcare technologies, including AI, automation, and personalized medicine, is revolutionizing patient care. However, this progress also brings challenges related to human factors, such as user error and workforce adaptation. This whitepaper draws from sources like Technology and the Future of Healthcare by Harold Thimbleby and the National Institutes of Health Report to explore the intersection of technological advances and human limitations, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovation with workforce and cultural transformation.

Introduction

Healthcare is experiencing profound changes driven by technological advancements. These innovations—from AI diagnostics to remote patient monitoring—promise enhanced outcomes and operational efficiency. However, they must be adopted considering human factors, such as decision-making and error management. Understanding how to balance technological progress with human capabilities is essential for the future of healthcare.

Key Technological Trends

1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: AI is transforming healthcare diagnostics and workflow efficiency. AI-driven tools outperform human clinicians in analyzing medical images, streamlining the diagnostic process. Automation, such as infusion pumps and AI-based devices, frees healthcare workers up for more critical tasks and introduces new user-related errors​ (National Institutes of Health Report). According to the NIH report, these innovations are critical but must be approached cautiously, ensuring that workforce training keeps pace with technological complexity​ (National Institutes of Health Report).
2. Personalized Healthcare and Big Data Big Data: and personalized medicine allow treatments tailored to individual patient needs, improving outcomes. Genomics and AI-based analysis generate vast amounts of data that clinicians can use for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. However, data privacy and management remain critical concerns. The NIH report highlights the importance of robust data governance frameworks to protect patient information​ (National Institutes of Health Report).
3. Extended Reality (XR) and Telehealth: Extended Reality (XR), including virtual and augmented reality, are revolutionizing medical training and patient care. For example, XR simulations allow surgeons to practice complex procedures in a controlled environment. Similarly, telehealth enables remote care, expanding access to healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations​ (National Institutes of Health Report). The National Institutes of Health emphasizes the role of XR in medical education, where real-time feedback and immersive simulations enhance learning outcomes​ (National Institutes of Health Report).

Disruptive Factors in Healthcare and the Future

Technology is easy to access: As of 2020, there are over 6+ billion smartphones worldwide, making it easier for health professionals to access information.  This wave of technology allows for the growth of telemedicine and health monitoring applications.

AI & Robotics Affordability: The cost of robotics and AI technologies has plummeted (e.g., robotic systems that cost $500,000 in 2008 now cost only $22,000). This drastic reduction is making advanced technology accessible to healthcare systems.

Jobs Vulnerable to Automation: A significant portion of jobs are susceptible to automation, with estimates showing 35% in the UK, 47% in the US, and 77% in China. In healthcare, administrative roles, repetitive tasks, and even some clinical processes are likely to be automated, which could lead to job displacement or redefinition.

Generational Workforce Shift: Millennials, who constitute 50% of the workforce, bring different expectations about flexibility, technology integration, and workplace culture. Their comfort with digital solutions pushes healthcare systems to adapt faster to technology.

Half-life of Skills: Skills are becoming obsolete faster, with a half-life of just 2.5 to 5 years. This rapid skill depreciation means healthcare workers must constantly update their training to keep pace with evolving technologies like AI, genomics, and robotics.

Data Tsunami: The volume of data has increased nine fold in just two years. This overwhelming surge in health-related data from wearables, genomic studies, and patient records requires better systems for analysis and management, leading to more AI-driven insights and decisions.

Contingent Workforce Growth: By 2020, 40% of the US workforce was expected to be contingent workers (freelancers, contractors). This shift impacts healthcare, where flexible staffing models and telehealth enable clinicians to provide care remotely and on demand, addressing workforce shortages and patient demand.

DEBRA R. ZEVALLOS, DBH, MHA, FACHE

Debra R. Zevallos is a highly accomplished Executive Leader with a distinguished career in Higher Education and Healthcare Administration. As a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), she brings extensive expertise in program administration, curriculum development, instructional design, and faculty development.

Currently serving as program director of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the University of Cincinnati. Her responsibilities include directing key courses such as Principles of Leadership and Global Health Systems, highlighting her commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders, as well as shepherding the program into the future.   

“At the University of Cincinnati, we are pleased to provide our students with access to industry leaders who possess specialized expertise in hot topics, such as AI in healthcare. Through professional development sessions, these experts will engage with students to discuss their interests and address their questions in these areas, fostering a rich learning environment and enhancing their understanding of current industry trends.”

Human Factors and Workforce Adaptation

Augmented Workforce: Deloitte’s report highlights the potential for an augmented healthcare workforce where technology enhances human capabilities. This approach can mitigate workforce burnout and staff shortages by automating routine tasks like patient documentation. However, adopting these technologies is often slower than necessary, as healthcare providers are hesitant to fully integrate AI and robotics into their systems ​ (Deloitte Healthcare Future of Healthcare Report)​(National Institutes of Health Report).

Human factors, such as expertise-induced errors, will persist. Clinicians, while benefiting from technological advancements, must adapt their practices to new tools and workflows. The NIH report stresses that human error will likely remain a problem unless new systems are designed with usability and safety in mind​ (National Institutes of Health Report).

Ethical and Security Challenges: The use of big data in healthcare brings significant ethical and security concerns. As more patient data is collected and analyzed, there are growing risks related to data breaches and unauthorized access. Blockchain technology offers potential solutions for securing patient information, but the challenge lies in balancing innovation with patient privacy rights. The NIH report also points out that the ease of data collection can lead to misuse, especially when patient confidentiality is compromised​ (National Institutes of Health Report).

Conclusion

The future of healthcare lies at the intersection of technology and human adaptability. AI, automation, and personalized medicine have the potential to revolutionize patient care, but they must be integrated with a focus on human factors, data security, and ethical considerations. As noted in the NIH report and Deloitte’s research, healthcare providers must continuously evolve their practices to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing technological landscape​ (Deloitte Healthcare Future of Healthcare Report)​(National Institutes of Health Report).

This whitepaper has explored the key elements shaping the future of healthcare, combining insights from Technology and the Future of Healthcare by Harold Thimbleby, The National Institutes of Health Report, and Deloitte’s Future of Healthcare report. By aligning technological innovations with human-centric care models, healthcare organizations can ensure that patient outcomes and workforce efficiency improve in the years to come.

This white paper serves as an example of the UC Executive MHA faculty interests and the program’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of current industry trends and technologies. By integrating cutting-edge topics such as this into our curriculum and fostering strong connections with healthcare professionals, we prepare our graduates to be innovative leaders. As the healthcare landscape continues evolving, our commitment to excellence ensures that our students are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, ultimately contributing to a more effective, patient-centered healthcare system.

If you, or someone you know, is an experienced health professional interested in learning more about our program, visit our Executive Master of Health Administration page.

Citations

• National Institutes of Health Report:
  • Thimbleby, H. (2013). Technology and the Future of Healthcare. Journal of Public Health Research, 2(3), e28. Available from the National Institutes of Health.
• Deloitte Future of Healthcare Report:
  • Schwartz, J., Radin, J., Cooney, J., & Medlock, M. (2018). The Future of Work in Healthcare. Deloitte Development LLC. Available from Deloitte.