AI to give doctors time with patients

Robots, artificial intelligence and smart speakers will unburden doctors to give them more time with patients, according to an NHS report on the pending technological “revolution” in healthcare.

Rapid advances will also be spurred on by developments in the ability to sequence individuals’ genomes, the entirety of their genetic data, according to the “groundbreaking” review published today.

The report led by US academic Eric Topol called for fresh education of staff, with 90% of all NHS jobs predicted to require digital skills within 20 years.

But those who fear robots may edge out human practitioners may be reassured by the review suggesting technology will “enhance” professionals, giving them greater time for patients.

Smart speakers were envisioned as having a “major impact” on care.

Though uptake of the fledgling technology has been slow so far with fears of errors, advances make it a “valuable tool” for updating patients’ records, allowing doctors to focus on patients and not paperwork.

Evidence suggests the technology could save 5.7 million hours of GPs’ time across England annually, the report says.

Smart speakers can also be used with a “mental health triage bot” that engages in conversations while analysing text and voice for expressing suicidal ideas and emotion.