The Future Impact of Artificial Intelligence Assistance in Remote Chronic Care: Insights from an Exploratory Futures Wheel Study (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Digital health technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and remote care have led to a reshaping of the medical journey, potentially benefiting every stakeholder in this landscape. However, the potential of these technologies might not be realised due to unforeseen challenges ranging from human factors to technical limitations. This highlights the importance of developing an anticipatory mindset to prepare stakeholders for the adoption of digital health technologies. In particular, the future impacts of AI assistance in remote chronic care remain underexplored. Structured foresight methods such as the Futures Wheel (FW) can aid stakeholders in better anticipating the direct and indirect impacts of an AI-enhanced future of chronic care. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study explores, across eight areas, the future impacts of a bespoke, co-designed AI tool for remote chronic care from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). It also shares practical recommendations on conducting FW activities involving novel digital health tools. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> An exploratory, in-person FW workshop was conducted with four participants (two patients and two HCPs) who had previously been involved in the co-design of the bespoke AI tool. The central statement was as follows: “The bespoke AI tool is used in every virtual consultation.”. The participants identified first- and second-order consequences across the following eight areas of impact: HCP-patient relationship impact, Psychological Impact, Social Impact, Educational Impact, Legal Impact, Ethical Impact, Healthcare delivery Impact, and Technology Impact. Each participant discussed their individual input to provide additional context. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Participants anticipated that the co-designed AI tool could positively reimagine the therapeutic relationship in remote care settings. Patients emphasised that its assistance could act as a source of emotional reassurance and empowerment. HCPs foresaw that the tool could add efficiency to their workflow. However, the participants identified potential data integrity and regulatory compliance challenges, highlighting the need for adequate safeguards for implementing such tools in practice. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> The plausible AI-driven future of remote chronic care is a nuanced one. The FW method indicated that a bespoke, co-designed AI tool can positively support virtual care delivery and remote interactions while indicating potential risks. These insights can inform strategies around early planning, governance, and implementation considerations. </sec>

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