The Limits of AI in Telehealth: Managing Expectations and Preparing for the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in many industries - telehealth is no exception.  While AI is still a developing technology, there a large amount of enthusiasm for its potential – and not without reason. There are many aspects of telehealth practice that do have the potential to be positively impacted by the utilization of AI. However, understanding its limits is crucial when considering how we can fully harness its benefits as well as realistically manage our expectations.

Technology and AI in Telehealth                                                              

Telehealth has long been dependent on the types of technology that are readily available. Though telehealth has been used for many decades, it’s widespread popularization only began after the advent of accessible remote communications technologies. Though telehealth has been used via telephones and even radio connections, it’s most popular and effective use today is through the remote communications platforms with the assistance of highspeed broadband connections. As technology develops, so do telehealth possibilities that rely on that technology.

AI, as a new technology, does have the potential to further enhance telehealth. This includes everything from offering tools that can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, to facilitating better diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. From chatbots offering initial consultations to AI-driven diagnostic tools, the integration of AI into telehealth has the potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. However, excitement around that potential must be tempered by understanding.

Practical Uses

Before becoming dazzled by the opportunities that AI can bring to telehealth, it is important to ensure that the uses of AI in telehealth and healthcare at large are, above everything else, practical. Part of managing expectations is understanding how AI works – it is technology, not magic, and like all technology it is not above errors. AI systems rely on large datasets to learn and make decisions. If these datasets are poor quality, the AI's recommendations may be flawed. Like human providers, AI is susceptible to bias.

Human health is incredibly complex, influenced by numerous variables that AI may not fully understand. It’s vital that these variables are understood and accounted for when considering the best ways to utilize AI in healthcare. Rare conditions may not have enough data available to train accurate AI models. Conditions that disproportionally impact historically disenfranchised communities may not have representative data available. AI should not operate in a vacuum – it can assist providers but is not able to replace the nuanced judgment of healthcare professionals.

Potential versus Reality

When considering AI and its future use, one of the most vital considerations is ensuring realistic expectations. The overwhelming societal narrative around AI is that it has “limitless potential.” But potential, limitless or otherwise, does not equate the current reality. It is important to be realistic about what AI can achieve and what level of expectation should exist around its use. Like telehealth, artificial intelligence is not a panacea for all the ills of the world – it is one tool among many that can be used in a variety of different ways.

AI does hold great promise for enhancing telehealth and it is not a bad thing to be excited and enthusiastic about that potential. But it is vital to understand its limits and approach its implementation with a balanced perspective. It is not a replacement for healthcare professionals nor should that be the goal. At its strongest, AI is a tool for assisting providers to use their time in the most effective way. As technology continues to develop in leaps and bounds, it is all of our responsibility to ensure that healthcare remains focused on what is most import – ensuring effective and accessible patient care.

Associated Reading

• The Future of Telehealth and Healthcare with Arthur Cooksey – UMTRC Podcast
• Virtual Reality and Telehealth: Exploring New Frontiers of Care Delivery – UMTRC Blog