4 Misconceptions About Automation in Healthcare

Automation in healthcare –– or any field for that matter –– is not a new concept anymore. Many medical organizations have utilized automation for years to increase productivity, eliminate clerical errors, and improve patient outcomes. Unfortunately, though, there are still a number of misconceptions related to automation, Artificial intelligence (AI), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) that persist to this day. Here, we’ll identify –– and bust –– several of the biggest healthcare automation myths:

Automation will Replace Human Workers

It’s understandable that professionals may have concerns about healthcare automation replacing human workers. After all, automated software can operate very quickly, accurately, and efficiently. However, the idea that robots or AI will one day replace doctors, nurses, administrators, and other healthcare professionals is incorrect. The reality is that many automated systems are designed only to address repetitive tasks. RPA tools, for instance, can be pre-programmed to send out appointment reminders for patients. As useful as a program like that might be, it is, in the end, only a tool for human workers to use. Even AI software is limited in its scope and capabilities. 

Ultimately, healthcare automation is designed to help professionals. RPA tools in particular can tackle repetitive assignments that could bog down administrators, doctors, and nurses and prevent them from focusing on more pressing/complex issues. 

Healthcare Automation is Too Expensive

Investing in healthcare automation, like any purchase, requires upfront investment. Over time though, healthcare automation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve business functionality. Indeed, RPA and AI software can save healthcare organizations huge amounts of money by reducing logistical workloads, simplifying organizational activity, and cutting out costly errors. All told, it’s estimated that automated healthcare solutions can reduce healthcare costs by 2% every year on a national level. That translates to roughly $70 billion dollars saved per year. 

Healthcare Automation is a Cure-All

Utilizing healthcare automation can be incredibly beneficial for medical organizations. Yet, it will not solve every problem that a business encounters. Again, healthcare automation can put professionals in positions to succeed; and it can reduce internal errors and increase efficiency. But it is not capable of solving problems without human input or direction. It’s still vital to analyze, clean, and apply data that healthcare automation produces.

Automation Doesn’t Provide Value to Healthcare Organizations

Some professionals in the medical field may recognize that automation can help businesses in other fields, but fail to see the value it offers to their own organizations. Yes, it’s true that automation can enhance data collection, reduce logistical errors, and help clear administrative tasks. However, healthcare automation can also meaningfully improve patient care. Automation can be used to ensure regulatory compliance, reduce patient wait times, and help doctors and nurses provide better treatment. In summation, automation can enhance the way healthcare organizations function on multiple levels.

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Amitech works with companies in the healthcare field to deliver automation and data analytics solutions. Unlike other data management firms, we have an in-depth understanding of the medical industry, and we can help your organization reach its goals and ensure better outcomes. Contact us here to learn more or to get started with us today.