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In the US, the White House has announced plans for a $7 billion investment to recruit and train public-health workers in order to make up the shortage. Across the pond, a recent NHS report outlined a shortage of at least 50,000 nurses/midwives and 12,000 doctors, with a projected half a million employees needed by 2030.Whilst top level investment, restructuring and policy is an important part of this picture, there are ultimately two key factors to focus on: increase the retention of existing employees, whilst rapidly identifying, upskilling and supporting new ones. Healthcare learning platforms need an upgrade to match the exceptional humans who access it.

And that’s where AI comes in.

Improving learning capacity

If we’re to support the existing workforce, we need to empower them with the tools to succeed. Flexible, on-demand training delivered with an engaging interface can enhance knowledge and skills anytime, anywhere. Conversational AI provides a high fidelity learning environment that builds empathy, communication and emotional intelligence without logistical issues or the “tick-box” effect of current e-learning platforms.

Healthcare learning platforms need an upgrade to match the exceptional humans who access them.

In modern medicine, the knowledge demand increases with every new drug, updated guideline and novel technology. We need to harness the power of machine learning and AI to equip clinicians adequately, supporting them with the barrage of new information and smoothing the intersections of life sciences, medical device institutions and health systems.

But it’s not all hard facts and science; leadership opportunities, interpersonal skills and even diversity training can be provided in a much more engaging format with digital avatars, who can represent an infinite range of demographics. Using AI to power these conversations enables much more effective, scalable training that focuses more on behavioural outcomes rather than simply ticking off an e-learning module or signing an attendance register.

Companies like Re:course are working with healthcare and life science organisations, to deliver cutting-edge technology to clinicians: after all, the scheduling app for healthcare education shouldn’t be more advanced and effective than the training itself!

Rapid upskilling

Holding onto existing clinicians is one priority, but if we’re to cope with the demands of an increasing, aging population then the workforce needs to grow. Up to now, the cost and scalability of traditional learning methods like simulation, e-learning modules and patient actors has formed a barrier to employee expansion.

AI education platforms need to allow rapid upskilling, accelerating learning curves and providing performance data to aid decision making. After all, we are seeing novel approaches to increasing accessibility to healthcare roles, such as the UK medical apprenticeship degree, new roles to support physicians and appealing to more diverse demographics. This will only work if there are robust educational platforms for the next generation- and it’s our raison d’etre.

The power of AI provides exciting opportunities to support, empower and inspire the workforce. The future really does look bright- but we also have to act right now.

Want to know more about the Re:course platform? Find out here