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Shortage of healthcare personnel – Could technology and AI be the solution?

This was the central question at a recent breakfast meeting held at UiT, the Arctic University of Norway. Organized by Kompetansebehovsutvalget, the event brought together professionals to discuss how digital solutions might advance healthcare services.

Professor Gro Berntsen from the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research highlighted that the primary goal must be to create efficient patient journeys with a strong focus on prevention and active participation from citizens. (Photo: UiT/Kompetansebehovsutvalget )
Professor Gro Berntsen from the Norwegian Centre for E-health Research highlighted that the primary goal must be to create efficient patient journeys with a strong focus on prevention and active participation from citizens. (Photo: UiT/Kompetansebehovsutvalget )

Berntsen emphasized three significant advantages of technology and artificial intelligence (AI):

  1. Enhanced communication and access to knowledge: 
    Digital solutions facilitate easier and faster access to crucial health information for both healthcare providers and patients.
  2. Collection of new data: 
    Sensors and technological tools provide valuable data that assist healthcare professionals in making better-informed decisions.
  3. Efficient data analysis using AI: 
    AI enables rapid analysis of large datasets, potentially enhancing diagnostics and treatments.

👉 Watch the meeting recording here. (Norwegian)

To successfully implement digitalization, professionals highlight the importance of skill development across several groups:

  • Citizens must learn to effectively utilize digital health services.
  • Healthcare workers need to understand how to digitally reach more patients and effectively use data.
  • Government authorities should facilitate digitalization with appropriate regulations and funding.
  • The healthcare industry must develop solutions that address the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.
  • The education sector is responsible for contributing through research, theoretical frameworks, and targeted training programs.

The professionals collectively agree that collaboration and continuous training are crucial for Norway to successfully use technology and AI to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare personnel.