Apps Galore And Talking AI Systems: Moving Beyond Siri And Alexa

With more than 80% of adults—and 95% of those between 18 and 29— using text messaging regularly, patients will no longer call a receptionist or wait on hold. Instead, real-time text communication pioneered in other industries will become the norm, creating new levels of flexibility and efficiency. Widespread use of new biometrics and information security, if embraced by healthcare, will reduce clumsy logins and multistep authentication procedures. Conversational AI assistants will simplify and improve information gathering and planning of treatment and follow-ups through advanced natural language processing (in multiple languages).

In emergency departments and clinics inside and outside hospitals, chatbots will integrate with the electronic health records, bed management systems and other sources to tell patients what to expect next—and when. This sort of communication can alleviate anxiety and relieve the stress of being a patient.