Healthcare providers and software developers should design care pathways that integrate technology without overshadowing the need for patient-provider connection. For instance, while AI can power smart intake applications, it cannot fully replace the human-to-human connection that can significantly influence a patient's care journey. The author concludes that by integrating technology into a human-first approach, we can improve access to care, measure the impact of care, and provide more personalized and effective treatment.
Key takeaways:
- Technology is playing a significant role in evolving behavioral healthcare, improving access to care, measuring its impact, and delivering care through emerging platforms like AI.
- Despite the advancements, the human component remains critical in all aspects of mental health care, and the future of behavioral health should always be human-first.
- AI, VR, and wearable technologies are providing new avenues for diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions, but they should not replace the human-to-human connection.
- As healthcare providers, payers, and software developers design care pathways, they need to ensure that technology aids the process without replacing the need for patient and provider connection.