(Below are my messages copied from a chat group)
Sharing thoughts about degree / future education -
Degree is piece of paper as proof of following an education track.
proof of competency/skill, proof of experience, proof of expertise, easy access, low cost access, access at your own pace, ubiquitous access, proof of collaborative work, proof of collaborative work with AI, proof of access to high value network, proof of soft skills, etc.
All these are happening in tech, finance and other domains in various form as an extra course/certificate/badge or something else, and gradually becoming part of the degree itself.
Neet pg tests a proof of knowledge/memory, usmle tests a proof of skills, mbbs degree is a proof of knowledge and exposure though not yet on standardised testing and have high scope of biases, educators efforts are towards taking it back to a solid proof of competency as the quality deteriorated due to low entry barrier /only financial barrier /other mismanagement issues in recent decades but may improve back again later as self healing process of recovery in chaotic systems usually led by a few changemakers and early adoptors initially.
What a student needs is that lot many things help in growth (multifactorial) but their competency may be the most important of all.
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As the doctor patient ratio and purchasing power improves, the demand for better quality collaborative care will improve and anyone delivering suboptimal service / eg. lower quartile may get eradicated.
Example of the eradication process is eradication of weavers due to industrialization, those who could not adapt to transformation and so nobody could save them.
I am sharing below answer by ChatGPT for query "industrialization in healthcare", and when thus is happening in india, the student doctors need to adapt to survive / grow. (And all this can be learnt when anyone try to deliver best to a patient, as nearly all of these are accessible in india at small / one patient scale but needs adopters and implementers which can later take it to full scale whole hospital / hospital industry scale. Its good to learn as transformation is happening gradually so we can be in the frontline delivering it, as in our grandparents time a MBBS doctor used to be only educated and accessible healer in frontline capable to deliver high quality care compared to what else was available).
The rate of change is too slow as it's costly, that's why we are having time to complain otherwise it could be like the snap of Thanos.
Answer by ChatGPT below ->
Industrialization in healthcare refers to the application of industrial principles and processes to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services. This transformation involves the use of advanced technologies, standardized processes, and mass production techniques. Here are key aspects and impacts of industrialization in healthcare:
1. **Technological Advancements**:
- **Medical Devices and Equipment**: The development and mass production of advanced medical devices, such as MRI machines, CT scanners, and robotic surgical systems, have revolutionized diagnosis and treatment.
- **Pharmaceuticals**: Industrialization has enabled the large-scale production of medications, ensuring a consistent supply of essential drugs at lower costs.
2. **Standardization of Care**:
- **Protocols and Guidelines**: The implementation of standardized treatment protocols and clinical guidelines ensures consistent and evidence-based care across healthcare facilities.
- **Quality Control**: Industrial principles have introduced rigorous quality control measures to ensure patient safety and the efficacy of treatments.
3. **Operational Efficiency**:
- **Process Optimization**: Techniques like lean management and Six Sigma have been applied to streamline healthcare processes, reducing waste, and improving patient flow.
- **Automation**: Automation of administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling and billing, frees up healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
4. **Telemedicine and Digital Health**:
- **Remote Consultations**: Telemedicine platforms allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, increasing access to care, especially in underserved areas.
- **Electronic Health Records (EHRs)**: EHRs improve the accuracy and accessibility of patient information, facilitating better coordination of care.
5. **Supply Chain Management**:
- **Efficient Distribution**: Industrial principles have improved the supply chain management of medical supplies, ensuring timely delivery of essential items and reducing stockouts.
- **Inventory Management**: Advanced inventory management systems help healthcare facilities maintain optimal stock levels, reducing waste and costs.
6. **Training and Education**:
- **Simulation and E-learning**: The use of simulation technologies and online learning platforms enhances the training of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle complex medical situations.
- **Continuing Education**: Industrialization has facilitated ongoing education and skill development for healthcare providers through standardized programs and certifications.
7. **Patient-Centered Care**:
- **Personalized Medicine**: Advances in genomics and biotechnology have paved the way for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients' genetic profiles.
- **Patient Engagement**: Industrialization has led to the development of tools and platforms that encourage patient engagement and self-management of chronic conditions.
8. **Cost Reduction**:
- **Economies of Scale**: Large-scale production of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals lowers costs, making healthcare more affordable.
- **Value-Based Care**: Shifting towards value-based care models focuses on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness, rather than the volume of services provided.
While industrialization in healthcare has led to significant improvements in efficiency, access, and quality, it also poses challenges, such as the risk of depersonalization of care and the need for continuous adaptation to rapidly evolving technologies. Balancing these benefits and challenges is crucial for the sustainable advancement of healthcare systems.
I don't mean that a doctor need to specialize in one, or generalize in all. What I mean is this is what available ahead in career which a doctor have to be able to use max. to *deliver best* .
Happy to be corrected if wrong in any points or if any counter opinions. My messages above are just my personal opinion.
To explain all these more correctly from a student doctor's perspective for their benefit will take whole book.
Easier to just note a topic and see how we can do it for 1 patient.
Eg.
Challenge - Implementation of continuing education.
Answer - knowledge base, process and produre skill delivery to a patient's & their caretaker in one-to-one / group / offline / online / mixed format.
Implementation of answer *->* teaching a lady to measure her son's urine output daily using a jar kept in bathroom and send this information to us daily and *optimizing care/intervention* accordingly.
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Industrialisation/ digital revolution.
Someday we will get AI revolution but currently its too dumb to be a threat to doctors but useful enough to help them in many ways and already under implementation at the leading places (early adopters and changemakers).
