As writer Elizabeth Weil notes in a new profile of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in New York Magazine, the powerful AI executive has a disconcerting penchant for using the term "median human," a phrase that seemingly equates to a robotic tech bro version of "Average Joe."
Altman's hope is that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will have roughly the same intelligence as a "median human that you could hire as a co-worker."
It's a disconcerting assertion, considering that it really sounds like Altman is looking to replace the work of normal people with a not-yet-realized AGI.
And according to Insider, it's not even the first time he's said as much. In a 2022 interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, Altman explained that this theoretical AI would be able to "do anything that you'd be happy with a remote coworker doing just behind a computer, which includes learning how to go be a doctor, learning how to go be a very competent coder."
In other words, if you happen to live a "median" life, you could soon be out of a job — or, at least, that's one way to interpret his comments. Cheers to our AI future.
As Insider and New York Mag both note, Altman isn't the only person in the world of AI who uses the unsettling terminology. The phrase is present across an incrediblenumberof AI blogs, and was even featured in a CNBC article titled "How to talk about AI like an insider."
"Eventually, when we develop an AGI in earnest," reads a blog post from an AI startup dubbed Snippet, which seems to fall very much in line with Altman's median theory, "it would display the capabilities of the median human, but retain the potential to become an expert in the field, something we now consider reserved for the narrow AI."
To use the word "median" specifically also feels like a distinct — and telling — choice. It's a squishy term that could leave plenty up to interpretation. How Altman, or anyone else, could possibly go about determining a holistic definition for this statistical average is unclear. Regardless, such a quantification of the human experience feels in many ways dehumanizing and incomplete.
"Comparing AI to even the idea of median or average humans is a bit offensive," Brent Mittelstadt, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, told Insider. "I see the comparison as being concerning and see the terminology as being concerning too."
Adding that there's yet to be a "concrete measurable comparison of human intelligence" within AI research, Mittelstadt also noted that the concept of a median person seems like "an intentionally vague concept as compared to having a very specific grounded meaning."
Besides, the concept of performance and the much-less-tangible notion of human intelligence are two very different things — and as Middlestadt told Insider, equating them doesn't quite add up.
"That is a hugely problematic leap to make," said the Oxford researcher, "because all of a sudden you're assigning agency, comprehension, cognition, or reasoning to these mechanistic models."
Middlestadt isn't alone in his critique.
"One thing that current AI architectures and models have shown is that they can achieve basically typical human-level performance. That's not problematic in itself," Henry Shevlin, an AI ethicist and professor at the University of Cambridge, told Insider. "I feel when we get into things like intelligence people are more touchy, and there are some good reasons for that."
But of course, we all have very different ideas and opinions of what saving the world or ensuring that everybody benefits equally from AI looks like. And in this case, that reality is defined by someone who sees much of humanity as quantifiable "median" figures, ready to be replaced with AI.
A hospital leader told Congress that a 2021 ransomware attack his health system experienced was "harder than the pandemic, by far."
Stephen Leffler, MD, president and COO of Burlington-based University of Vermont Medical Center, testified Sept. 27 before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability with other cybersecurity experts and cyberattack victims.
The ransomware attack cost the health system $65 million and shut down its EHR for 28 days, he told Congress. "Many of our young doctors had never written paper orders," he said in comments transcribed by CSPAN. "We had to go back and teach them how to do that."
The incident also interrupted UVM Medical Center's internet, so clinics didn't even know which patients would be showing up that Monday morning. "We went to Best Buy and bought every walkie-talkie they had," Dr. Leffler said.
The health system's clinical leaders brought in additional staff and met sometimes twice a day, seven days a week, to determine what care would be delayed and what could be transferred to other academic medical centers out of state (UVM is the only one in Vermont). "Over the course of that month, we delivered hundreds of babies, did trauma certainly. We did multiple other cancer staging operations, all safely, high quality, on paper," Dr. Leffler said.
"It affected every single part of our function, everything that we do," he testified. "I've been an emergency medicine doctor for 30 years. I've been a hospital president for four years. The cyberattack was much harder than the pandemic, by far."
Senior-focused technology company Intuition Robotics, which offers an AI-powered care companion robot for seniors experiencing loneliness, announced it closed a $25 million funding round, which includes $20 million in venture capital and $5 million in debt.
The round was led by Woven Capital, the growth fund of Toyota, with participation from OurCrowd, Toyota Ventures, Western Technology Investment and other investors.
Nicole LeBlanc, a partner at Woven Capital, will join Intuition's board of directors.
WHAT THEY DO
The Israeli-based company created ElliQ, an AI-powered companion for older adults suffering from loneliness. The device utilizes generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to allow continuous conversational experiences between the machine and its user.
ElliQ interacts using voice commands. It performs daily health check-ins, supports physical and cognitive activities, and encourages users to connect with family and friends.
Intuition Robotics will use the funds to continue enhancing ElliQ's capabilities powered by LLMs and generative AI and to meet the demand for ElliQ across healthcare organizations and government agencies.
"Intuition Robotics is advancing the future of mobility for aging populations by offering human connection and access to goods and services that they couldn't obtain otherwise," LeBlanc said in a statement.
"The company is leading the way by providing a field-proven solution that delivers strong results, improving social infrastructure and serving overlooked markets in unique, thoughtful, and powerful ways. These are precisely the values behind the future of mobility that Toyota is bringing to life, making Intuition Robotics a natural fit for Woven Capital."
MARKET SNAPSHOT
In 2022, Intuition partnered with the New York State Office for the Aging, which provides programs, services and advocacy to support the state’s elderly population.
The partners piloted a program to bring ElliQ to more than 800 seniors to decrease loneliness, foster engagement and support aging individuals. The pilot proved successful, and the pair announced their continued collaboration earlier this month.
Another company utilizing AI for senior care is CarePredict, which combines wearable technology with indoor location tracking, deep machine learning and predictive analytics to detect an individual's activities of daily living.
It also includes a touch-button call system to communicate with caregivers and provides an individual's exact indoor location.
The healthcare sector is at a pivotal juncture, with digital transformation serving as key for a new era of patient care and operational excellence. Far from being a mere buzzword, digital transformation is a strategic imperative that goes beyond the adoption of electronic medical records or new software. It's about fundamentally reimagining how healthcare organisations engage with patients, consumers and the broader community in optimising their operations. In this article, we will delve into the concept of digital transformation in healthcare, discuss its importance, explore the role of strategy in its implementation, analyse the challenges it poses, examine its impact on patient care, and explore future trends in this dynamic field.
Understanding Digital Transformation
The concept of digital transformation in healthcare refers to the integration of digital technologies and processes into the delivery of healthcare services. It entails leveraging technology to digitise manual processes, automate workflows, and enable data-driven decision-making. By embracing digital transformation, healthcare organisations aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. However, digital transformation in healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It's complex and woven from various technological threads—artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, telemedicine, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to name a few. AI, for instance, is not just a futuristic concept but a practical tool for diagnosing diseases with greater accuracy and developing personalised treatment plans. Similarly, big data analytics provide actionable insights into patient behaviour, disease patterns, and treatment efficacy, enabling more targeted care.
Telemedicine: Bridging the Gap
Telemedicine is another significant technology that is driving digital transformation in healthcare. It enables remote consultations, virtual visits, and remote patient monitoring, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients. Telemedicine also plays a crucial role in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. Through telemedicine, patients can receive timely medical advice, follow-up care, and even access specialised expertise without the need for physical travel. Telemedicine is a game-changer, particularly for rural communities where healthcare services are often out of reach. It's not just about convenience; it's about making healthcare accessible and reducing the burden on traditional healthcare facilities. Bring in satellite comms and the 4G network, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital admissions.
IoT: The Silent Revolution
The Internet of Things (IoT) devices also contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare. IoT devices like wearable fitness trackers are the unsung heroes of digital transformation. They offer real-time data that can be crucial for patient monitoring, thereby reducing hospital readmissions and enabling proactive healthcare management.
Image credit Shutterstock: Working Group strategy planning
The Strategy Quotient
So, why is digital transformation crucial in healthcare? The healthcare industry is facing numerous challenges, including an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and an increasing demand for quality care. Digital transformation offers potential solutions to address these challenges by improving accessibility, promoting preventive care, and enhancing patient engagement.
While technology is the enabler, strategy is the navigator. A well-defined strategy aligns technological initiatives with organisational objectives, ensuring that the transformation journey is not just effective but also sustainable. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the organisation's digital maturity, a clear roadmap for technology adoption, and a focus on interoperability and data security.
Without a clear plan and direction, healthcare organisations may struggle to effectively implement digital solutions and fully reap the benefits. Strategic planning for digital transformation involves aligning technological initiatives with organisational goals, identifying key stakeholders, and ensuring effective change management.
Elements of a Successful Digital Strategy
A successful digital strategy comprises several key elements. Firstly, it involves selecting the right technologies that align with the organisation's goals and objectives. This may include electronic medical record systems, patient engagement tools, remote monitoring devices, or predictive analytics platforms. The chosen technologies should be scalable, interoperable, and user-friendly to ensure seamless integration and adoption.
Secondly, it requires a focus on interoperability to enable seamless sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers and systems. Interoperability is crucial for delivering coordinated and patient-centered care. It allows healthcare professionals to access and exchange accurate and up-to-date patient data, leading to better care coordination, reduced medical errors, and improved patient outcomes.
Lastly, a strong emphasis should be placed on data security and privacy to safeguard patient information from potential breaches. As healthcare organisations increasingly rely on digital technologies, the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks also increases. Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, is essential to protect patient data and maintain trust.
Overcoming the Hurdles
The path to digital transformation is fraught with challenges, both technological and organisational. Legacy systems, data integration, and compliance with regulations like HIPAA are just a few of the hurdles that healthcare organisations must clear. Moreover, the human element—resistance to change and digital literacy—cannot be overlooked.
The Future is Now
As we look ahead, technologies like predictive analytics and remote patient monitoring will continue to shape the healthcare landscape. These are not mere trends but essential tools for delivering more proactive and personalised care. By leveraging vast amounts of patient data, AI algorithms can identify patterns, predict disease progression, and suggest treatment interventions. This can lead to early detection of diseases, more targeted interventions, and improved patient outcomes.
The Digital Imperative
In summary, digital transformation is not an option but a necessity for modern healthcare organisations. It offers a strategic framework for improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and meeting the challenges of an evolving healthcare landscape. By embracing this digital imperative, healthcare organisations are not just surviving but thriving in this new era of healthcare delivery.
If you enjoyed reading this, follow me for more insightful content on all things Digital (and other topics) in Healthcare. 💫
As writer Elizabeth Weil notes in a new profile of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in New York Magazine, the powerful AI executive has a disconcerting penchant for using the term "median human," a phrase that seemingly equates to a robotic tech bro version of "Average Joe."
Altman's hope is that artificial general intelligence (AGI) will have roughly the same intelligence as a "median human that you could hire as a co-worker."
It's a disconcerting assertion, considering that it really sounds like Altman is looking to replace the work of normal people with a not-yet-realized AGI.
And according to Insider, it's not even the first time he's said as much. In a 2022 interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, Altman explained that this theoretical AI would be able to "do anything that you'd be happy with a remote coworker doing just behind a computer, which includes learning how to go be a doctor, learning how to go be a very competent coder."
In other words, if you happen to live a "median" life, you could soon be out of a job — or, at least, that's one way to interpret his comments. Cheers to our AI future.
As Insider and New York Mag both note, Altman isn't the only person in the world of AI who uses the unsettling terminology. The phrase is present across an incrediblenumberof AI blogs, and was even featured in a CNBC article titled "How to talk about AI like an insider."
"Eventually, when we develop an AGI in earnest," reads a blog post from an AI startup dubbed Snippet, which seems to fall very much in line with Altman's median theory, "it would display the capabilities of the median human, but retain the potential to become an expert in the field, something we now consider reserved for the narrow AI."
To use the word "median" specifically also feels like a distinct — and telling — choice. It's a squishy term that could leave plenty up to interpretation. How Altman, or anyone else, could possibly go about determining a holistic definition for this statistical average is unclear. Regardless, such a quantification of the human experience feels in many ways dehumanizing and incomplete.
"Comparing AI to even the idea of median or average humans is a bit offensive," Brent Mittelstadt, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, told Insider. "I see the comparison as being concerning and see the terminology as being concerning too."
Adding that there's yet to be a "concrete measurable comparison of human intelligence" within AI research, Mittelstadt also noted that the concept of a median person seems like "an intentionally vague concept as compared to having a very specific grounded meaning."
Besides, the concept of performance and the much-less-tangible notion of human intelligence are two very different things — and as Middlestadt told Insider, equating them doesn't quite add up.
"That is a hugely problematic leap to make," said the Oxford researcher, "because all of a sudden you're assigning agency, comprehension, cognition, or reasoning to these mechanistic models."
Middlestadt isn't alone in his critique.
"One thing that current AI architectures and models have shown is that they can achieve basically typical human-level performance. That's not problematic in itself," Henry Shevlin, an AI ethicist and professor at the University of Cambridge, told Insider. "I feel when we get into things like intelligence people are more touchy, and there are some good reasons for that."
But of course, we all have very different ideas and opinions of what saving the world or ensuring that everybody benefits equally from AI looks like. And in this case, that reality is defined by someone who sees much of humanity as quantifiable "median" figures, ready to be replaced with AI.
A hospital leader told Congress that a 2021 ransomware attack his health system experienced was "harder than the pandemic, by far."
Stephen Leffler, MD, president and COO of Burlington-based University of Vermont Medical Center, testified Sept. 27 before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability with other cybersecurity experts and cyberattack victims.
The ransomware attack cost the health system $65 million and shut down its EHR for 28 days, he told Congress. "Many of our young doctors had never written paper orders," he said in comments transcribed by CSPAN. "We had to go back and teach them how to do that."
The incident also interrupted UVM Medical Center's internet, so clinics didn't even know which patients would be showing up that Monday morning. "We went to Best Buy and bought every walkie-talkie they had," Dr. Leffler said.
The health system's clinical leaders brought in additional staff and met sometimes twice a day, seven days a week, to determine what care would be delayed and what could be transferred to other academic medical centers out of state (UVM is the only one in Vermont). "Over the course of that month, we delivered hundreds of babies, did trauma certainly. We did multiple other cancer staging operations, all safely, high quality, on paper," Dr. Leffler said.
"It affected every single part of our function, everything that we do," he testified. "I've been an emergency medicine doctor for 30 years. I've been a hospital president for four years. The cyberattack was much harder than the pandemic, by far."
Senior-focused technology company Intuition Robotics, which offers an AI-powered care companion robot for seniors experiencing loneliness, announced it closed a $25 million funding round, which includes $20 million in venture capital and $5 million in debt.
The round was led by Woven Capital, the growth fund of Toyota, with participation from OurCrowd, Toyota Ventures, Western Technology Investment and other investors.
Nicole LeBlanc, a partner at Woven Capital, will join Intuition's board of directors.
WHAT THEY DO
The Israeli-based company created ElliQ, an AI-powered companion for older adults suffering from loneliness. The device utilizes generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to allow continuous conversational experiences between the machine and its user.
ElliQ interacts using voice commands. It performs daily health check-ins, supports physical and cognitive activities, and encourages users to connect with family and friends.
Intuition Robotics will use the funds to continue enhancing ElliQ's capabilities powered by LLMs and generative AI and to meet the demand for ElliQ across healthcare organizations and government agencies.
"Intuition Robotics is advancing the future of mobility for aging populations by offering human connection and access to goods and services that they couldn't obtain otherwise," LeBlanc said in a statement.
"The company is leading the way by providing a field-proven solution that delivers strong results, improving social infrastructure and serving overlooked markets in unique, thoughtful, and powerful ways. These are precisely the values behind the future of mobility that Toyota is bringing to life, making Intuition Robotics a natural fit for Woven Capital."
MARKET SNAPSHOT
In 2022, Intuition partnered with the New York State Office for the Aging, which provides programs, services and advocacy to support the state’s elderly population.
The partners piloted a program to bring ElliQ to more than 800 seniors to decrease loneliness, foster engagement and support aging individuals. The pilot proved successful, and the pair announced their continued collaboration earlier this month.
Another company utilizing AI for senior care is CarePredict, which combines wearable technology with indoor location tracking, deep machine learning and predictive analytics to detect an individual's activities of daily living.
It also includes a touch-button call system to communicate with caregivers and provides an individual's exact indoor location.
The healthcare sector is at a pivotal juncture, with digital transformation serving as key for a new era of patient care and operational excellence. Far from being a mere buzzword, digital transformation is a strategic imperative that goes beyond the adoption of electronic medical records or new software. It's about fundamentally reimagining how healthcare organisations engage with patients, consumers and the broader community in optimising their operations. In this article, we will delve into the concept of digital transformation in healthcare, discuss its importance, explore the role of strategy in its implementation, analyse the challenges it poses, examine its impact on patient care, and explore future trends in this dynamic field.
Understanding Digital Transformation
The concept of digital transformation in healthcare refers to the integration of digital technologies and processes into the delivery of healthcare services. It entails leveraging technology to digitise manual processes, automate workflows, and enable data-driven decision-making. By embracing digital transformation, healthcare organisations aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. However, digital transformation in healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It's complex and woven from various technological threads—artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, telemedicine, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to name a few. AI, for instance, is not just a futuristic concept but a practical tool for diagnosing diseases with greater accuracy and developing personalised treatment plans. Similarly, big data analytics provide actionable insights into patient behaviour, disease patterns, and treatment efficacy, enabling more targeted care.
Telemedicine: Bridging the Gap
Telemedicine is another significant technology that is driving digital transformation in healthcare. It enables remote consultations, virtual visits, and remote patient monitoring, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients. Telemedicine also plays a crucial role in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. Through telemedicine, patients can receive timely medical advice, follow-up care, and even access specialised expertise without the need for physical travel. Telemedicine is a game-changer, particularly for rural communities where healthcare services are often out of reach. It's not just about convenience; it's about making healthcare accessible and reducing the burden on traditional healthcare facilities. Bring in satellite comms and the 4G network, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital admissions.
IoT: The Silent Revolution
The Internet of Things (IoT) devices also contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare. IoT devices like wearable fitness trackers are the unsung heroes of digital transformation. They offer real-time data that can be crucial for patient monitoring, thereby reducing hospital readmissions and enabling proactive healthcare management.
Image credit Shutterstock: Working Group strategy planning
The Strategy Quotient
So, why is digital transformation crucial in healthcare? The healthcare industry is facing numerous challenges, including an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and an increasing demand for quality care. Digital transformation offers potential solutions to address these challenges by improving accessibility, promoting preventive care, and enhancing patient engagement.
While technology is the enabler, strategy is the navigator. A well-defined strategy aligns technological initiatives with organisational objectives, ensuring that the transformation journey is not just effective but also sustainable. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the organisation's digital maturity, a clear roadmap for technology adoption, and a focus on interoperability and data security.
Without a clear plan and direction, healthcare organisations may struggle to effectively implement digital solutions and fully reap the benefits. Strategic planning for digital transformation involves aligning technological initiatives with organisational goals, identifying key stakeholders, and ensuring effective change management.
Elements of a Successful Digital Strategy
A successful digital strategy comprises several key elements. Firstly, it involves selecting the right technologies that align with the organisation's goals and objectives. This may include electronic medical record systems, patient engagement tools, remote monitoring devices, or predictive analytics platforms. The chosen technologies should be scalable, interoperable, and user-friendly to ensure seamless integration and adoption.
Secondly, it requires a focus on interoperability to enable seamless sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers and systems. Interoperability is crucial for delivering coordinated and patient-centered care. It allows healthcare professionals to access and exchange accurate and up-to-date patient data, leading to better care coordination, reduced medical errors, and improved patient outcomes.
Lastly, a strong emphasis should be placed on data security and privacy to safeguard patient information from potential breaches. As healthcare organisations increasingly rely on digital technologies, the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks also increases. Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, is essential to protect patient data and maintain trust.
Overcoming the Hurdles
The path to digital transformation is fraught with challenges, both technological and organisational. Legacy systems, data integration, and compliance with regulations like HIPAA are just a few of the hurdles that healthcare organisations must clear. Moreover, the human element—resistance to change and digital literacy—cannot be overlooked.
The Future is Now
As we look ahead, technologies like predictive analytics and remote patient monitoring will continue to shape the healthcare landscape. These are not mere trends but essential tools for delivering more proactive and personalised care. By leveraging vast amounts of patient data, AI algorithms can identify patterns, predict disease progression, and suggest treatment interventions. This can lead to early detection of diseases, more targeted interventions, and improved patient outcomes.
The Digital Imperative
In summary, digital transformation is not an option but a necessity for modern healthcare organisations. It offers a strategic framework for improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and meeting the challenges of an evolving healthcare landscape. By embracing this digital imperative, healthcare organisations are not just surviving but thriving in this new era of healthcare delivery.
If you enjoyed reading this, follow me for more insightful content on all things Digital (and other topics) in Healthcare. 💫
