Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology are already transforming the healthcare industry, but perhaps this change is no more evident than when supplying support across remote locations.
While the pandemic helped to drive development of these technologies in recent years – with telemedicine and online doctors coming into their own – adoption of these facilities can be affected by poor WiFi or even a lack of any phone line at all. But even here satellite technology offers a possible solution to the problem.
While the pace of innovation in this area shows no signs of abating, for the moment at least it cannot truly replace the effectiveness of a comprehensive health assessment.
Transforming the healthcare industry
“The integration of AI tools and digital technology is transforming the healthcare industry,” Stephen Ho, chief marketing officer at Pacific Prime, tells Health & Protection.
“For instance, they provide quality virtual care to patients and help researchers and doctors find cure to make faster diagnoses,” Ho continues. “On the other hand, they streamline both hospital and insurance operations.
“Bupa’s Global Virtual Care app is an example of a digital tool that provides customers with access to phone and virtual same-day appointments with a global network of doctors, available 24/7.”
According to Kieran Brown, general manager UK at SIP Medical Family Office, health insurers and innovators already offer digital solutions to good effect and in several ways.
“For example telemedicine, especially with a focus on online doctors, have been an effective service for some time. But during the pandemic we could all benefit from such a service in the remote and isolated nature of our lockdown,” Brown maintains.
“Employee assistance programmes use app and portal technology. Although the core service may extend to telephonic or face-to-face counselling, a key feature of the service is using digital technology to support health education and awareness.”
Sketchy and non-existent WiFi
Michelle Bishop, EU team leader multinational benefits at Gallagher, warns while remote technologies are great, in some geographies, particularly remote areas, WiFi and even phone connectivity is “sketchy” and sometimes “non-existent”.
“Digital therefore needs to be balanced with practical,” Bishop says.
But Brown points out that when the WiFi signal fails, it may be possible for satellite technologies to come into their own.
“When a patient needs medical attention in a remote location, the insurer will be coordinating with international assistance companies and local/regional healthcare providers,” Brown says.
“While the insurers will coordinate and supervise medical assistance and transportation when necessary, we must still consider that the patient will ultimately be under the medical supervision of the local and treating doctor.”
Gaps in service and in digital healthcare solutions
Brown says while health insurers do in general offer a comprehensive and remote service in partnership with local and regional medical providers, this can never be totally relied upon.
“If an employer has multiple individuals in genuinely remote locations they must be willing to provide the medical provision themselves,” Brown argues.
“The individuals themselves must take some provision and contingency planning and this can be achieved. Within the oil and gas and mining industry, medical teams will often be located onsite and employees may be trained how to manage medical situations
“SIP Medical Family Office have designed the Emergency Medical Card. In the event the card holder is incapacitated the paramedic may be able to obtain vital details and medical information about the patient using QR code technology.
“For example as well verifying the patient’s identity, the paramedic may be able to access vital medical information such as blood type, allergies, other medications being taken and also the contact details for their health insurer.”
And Brown is also mindful of potential gaps in digital healthcare solutions.
“Perhaps if there is a gap in digital healthcare solutions for remote people then there is still room for the actual delivery and administering medical treatment – especially where an individual or employer must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment in order to plan and prepare for medical support ranging from minor and major illness to accidents and injuries,” Brown said.
“While international health insurers, international medical assistance companies and even local hospitals and facilities will continue to develop thanks to digital healthcare facilities, they should never be totally relied upon, especially for those in the most remote locations.
“For example, a medical insurer may agree to cover the costs of a medical evacuation, but the transportation needs to be organised – is this best achieved by road or air and what resources are immediately available.
“During the pandemic cross-border medical evacuations were not always possible because of air restrictions that had been applied.
“In the most remote locations to be best equipped would require to have the necessary medical resources and medications to stabilise a patient until transportation can be arranged and the patient is well enough to travel.”
Health risk assessments
In terms of managing risk, Bishop describes herself as a “huge advocate” of health risk assessments.
“Knowing the risk exposures of an individual (and their dependents) is half the battle – you can then be more specific in the plans/products put in place to manage the risk.
“Have a plan in place for managing health risks should they occur.
“Understand how and at what frequency health support can be accessed, who to reach out to, what protocols should be followed and who needs to know about them.
“Even consider onsite support and how that can be provided by the client in support to mitigate the risk of emergencies arising.”
Billion dollar market
Looking ahead to the immediate future, it appears AI is here to stay and will inevitably play an increasing role in the healthcare market across the globe.
“With global AI in the healthcare market projected to reach USD$137bn by 2029, the potential of AI-enabled technologies is immense,” Ho says.
“That’s mostly due to the pandemic accelerating the development of tools like telehealth, home test kits, and prescriptions in apps for the last few years.
“This trend will continue since these tools help patients and policyholders and lower healthcare costs, no matter their location. In addition, data sharing between different services will also improve through virtual healthcare hubs.”