Podcast Audio Transcript
Mimi: Hello listeners, this is Mimi; thank you for tuning in to yet another exciting and informative podcast from us at Infosys BPM. Today, we are discussing about the influence of Technology on Healthcare industry, with a specific focus on how AI can revolutionize the elderly care. We’ll be diving into a critical topic: How AI can help manage healthcare costs and improve services for the global aging population.
Joining me today is Pinaki Ray, Industry Principal, leading the digital transformation for Healthcare, Insurance and Life Sciences at Infosys BPM. Pinaki is a leading expert in AI applications in healthcare and a passionate advocate for using technology to improve elderly care.
Welcome to the show, Pinaki!" How are you doing today?
Pinaki: I’m doing very well, Mimi. It is such a pleasure to participate in this podcast.
Mimi: We’re always on the lookout for your thoughts.
Pinaki, let’s start with the big picture. The global population is aging rapidly, and this shift is putting immense pressure on healthcare systems. Can you share some insights on the challenges healthcare providers are facing?
Pinaki: Absolutely, Mimi. According to UN Human Rights, by 2050, over 1.5 billion people will be aged 65 or older. This growing demographic brings challenges like increased demand for medical services, higher healthcare costs, and a shortage of caregivers. It’s a perfect storm that traditional systems are struggling to address.
And this is where AI steps in.
AI has the potential to optimize nearly every aspect of elder care. From predictive analytics that help prevent chronic illnesses to AI-powered tools that assist with daily care, the possibilities are enormous.
Mimi: Great point, I agree. Now, let’s talk specifics.
How can AI help manage the rising costs of healthcare while maintaining or even improving the quality of service for older adults?
Pinaki: Good question, Mimi. One major area is operational efficiency. For instance, AI can streamline administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and insurance claims, which reduces overhead costs. More importantly, it can analyze patient data to identify high-risk individuals early, enabling preventive care to reduce chances of emergency room admissions and expensive hospitalizations.
Mimi: That’s quite fascinating. Do you have any examples of how this works in practice?
Pinaki: Certainly. In the UK, the National Health Service uses AI to predict hospital admissions and optimize staff allocation. This has significantly reduced wait times and improved patient outcomes, while cutting costs.
Similarly, various AI models with wearable devices are being used to detect signs of impending myocardial infarctions, brain strokes, or lung infections like pneumonia and covid. Such detection is not only fast and accurate, but also cheaper than manual detection.
Other examples are about leveraging AI, ML modelling to identify social determinants of health, like specific living conditions, neighborhoods, etc., to which the elderly are particularly vulnerable to, and triggers repeated hospitalization. These insights help healthcare providers and payers to take necessary steps to prevent the repeat occurrence of hospitalization.
Mimi: It’s evident that beyond cost savings, AI also promises to enhance the quality of care.
What are some examples of AI improving services for the elderly?
Pinaki: Sure. AI-powered tools like virtual health assistants can provide seniors with 24/7 support, from medication reminders to symptom monitoring. Telehealth platforms, augmented by AI, allow doctors to diagnose and treat patients remotely, which is especially helpful for seniors in rural or underserved areas.
AI/ML modelling is showing tremendous potential in personalized medication through gene therapy. ML-based models have successfully predicted stem cell differentiation, cell fate, and gene expression using algorithms trained with information already available from different individuals as well as pre-clinical and clinical studies. This is a particularly promising area in redefining the elderly care and providing a better quality of life with increased age.
AI solutions are being designed keeping in mind the needs of the elderly towards a happier & healthier ageing. Let me mention some examples now.
- Intuition Robotics developed 'ElliQ', an AI companion robot that provides health updates and companionship to seniors.
- Another example is Anvayaa Kin Care, which offers AI-driven personalized elder care services in India, assisting with health, emergency, and daily care needs.
- Cera Care, A UK-based company utilizes AI to provide home care services, improving health outcomes for the elderly.
AgeWiser is a company that provides an AI-powered wellness app focused on mobility, cognitive activities, and health monitoring for seniors.
- CarePredict uses AI-driven wearables and sensors to monitor seniors' health, detecting anomalies to prevent issues like falls or infections.
These innovations aim to improve the quality of life and independence of the aging population.
Mimi: That’s incredible, isn’t it? so many innovative solutions out there.
I’ve also heard about AI robots being used for companionship and mental health support. Can you tell us more about that?
Pinaki: Yes, that’s true!
In countries like Japan, AI robots are being used in elder care facilities to provide emotional support and monitor health metrics. These robots help reduce caregiver burden and ensure seniors receive consistent attention.
Mimi: AI is quite a game-changer, but it also raises concerns.
What ethical challenges do you believe we need to address when using AI in elder care?
Pinaki: Great question, Mimi.
Data privacy is a big concern—AI relies on large amounts of patient data, so we must ensure it’s secure.
Bias in AI algorithms is another issue; we need to ensure these systems work equitably across diverse populations.
Finally, there’s the digital divide—many seniors lack access to the technology they need to benefit from AI-driven solutions.
Mimi: So, it’s about balancing innovation with responsibility.
Pinaki: Exactly. Collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and tech companies is key to ensuring AI is both ethical and accessible.
Mimi: Absolutely, ethical AI should be the norm.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of AI in elder care?
Pinaki: I’m excited about the potential for AI to personalize medicine. Imagine treatments tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history. AI can make that a reality, improving outcomes while reducing costs.
Mimi: That’s inspiring. It feels like we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Pinaki, thank you so much for sharing your insights today. Before we wrap up, what’s one key takeaway you’d like our listeners to remember?
Pinaki: AI is not here to replace human caregivers—it’s here to empower them. By embracing AI responsibly, we can make healthcare more efficient, affordable, and accessible for our aging population.
Mimi: Beautifully said Pinaki!
And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in to this episode of our podcast on the future of healthcare. If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and share it with your network. Together, we can shape a healthier future for all.
Also, if you have any queries, do reach out to us through the email address on the podcast description. Watch our website Infosysbpm.com for more exciting podcasts coming up. Once again, thank you for tuning in, stay safe and sharp. Have a nice day!
