AI: Chronic Pain Patients' New "Guardian Angel"

More than three-quarters of Americans live with at least one chronic condition, and over half with multiple. However, new technologies are emerging as "guardian angels" for chronic pain patients, according to health care experts. These innovations are providing patients with a sense of security, as technologies monitor their conditions remotely.

These tools are improving communication by transmitting a higher frequency of information to health systems. Primary care doctors, often pressed for time, can leverage interventions outside the exam room, utilizing AI to sort through patient data like blood pressure logs and continuous glucose monitoring results. This allows for the identification of patients with concerning lab results.

Furthermore, these technologies help patients better understand their own health data, offering "bite-sized bytes of information" that promote self-efficacy and positive health choices. Experts also noted that new tech tools are enabling primary care physicians to expand their scope of care, potentially reducing the number of doctors a patient needs to see and alleviating specialist burnout.

Panelists at a recent webinar emphasized that health systems must embrace change and adopt new technologies, including AI and wearables, to improve chronic disease management. They urged organizations to think differently and incorporate these tools to help improve, screen for, and detect chronic diseases sooner.