
The UK Government has recently published it’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, describing huge ambitions to make Britain a global leader in Artificial Intelligence.
For example, they reference the “£21 million AI Diagnostics fund supporting the deployment of technologies in key, high-demand areas such as chest X-Ray and chest CT scans” focused on rapid diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Automation of repetitive tasks
In terms of job impact, AI can be seen as a double-edged sword, of course. On the one hand, AI can automate routine tasks, such as assisting in administrative work like booking appointments; it will also crossover into clinical work such as processing lab results or analysing images. This can free up time for doctors and nurses to focus more on patient care.
On the other hand, there is an implication here: AI may reduce the need for certain jobs, particularly in areas where automation can take over repetitive or data-heavy tasks. For instance, radiologists are already using AI-powered tools that can help them analyse medical images faster and, potentially, more accurately.
Changing roles for humans
This has raised questions about how the role of radiologists might evolve – perhaps they will shift to reviewing the suggestions made by AI, generating and communicating patient-focused plans. As a GP myself, anything that reduces admin and gives me more time with patients would be very beneficial.
At the same time, AI is creating entirely new roles, like those for data scientists, AI ethicists, and even AI trainers who help teach machines how to interact with complex medical data in meaningful ways. So, while AI might change or even phase out some jobs, it’s also giving rise to new kinds of employment opportunities. It’s likely that we can’t even foresee the types of jobs that will exist in the future.
What does this mean for telehealth teams?
The options are so varied it can seem difficult to get started. What will have the biggest impact? At Teladoc Health UK we are looking to improve both patient-facing and support services using AI. For example, we leverage to track a patient’s progress with their physiotherapy programme; the app analyses video data from enabling personalised treatment adjustments and better patient outcomes. We will also be introducing AI-led mental health support, which will allow patients to self-care where possible and, when required, access the right service first time.
Like many companies, we are looking to AI for ways to streamline our operations, from appointment scheduling to administrative tasks. We expect to see improvements in resource allocation and an even higher proportion of our clinicians’ time being spent on activities which directly benefit their patients.
AI supports great clinicians
Patient feedback tells us that the biggest driver of a positive experience is the communication skills of the clinician. At THUK, we are, unsurprisingly therefore, committed to a clinician-first approach; AI will support clinicians, not replace them. Patients value the human touch and expertise and augmented with AI, we can provide ever more effective care.
For Teladoc Health, AI will enhance—not overshadow—the human connection at the heart of healthcare.
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