In response to the increasing pressure on New Zealand’s healthcare system, especially the long wait times for elective procedures, the use of AI technology is gaining support. Many in the medical community believe that bringing AI solutions into clinical practice can greatly increase productivity and improve patient care.
It can be mentioned according to the gathered data that the government data further showcases the complexity and the advanced stages of the problem, revealing an alarming increase of over 2,500% in just one year in the number of people waiting more than four months for common surgeries like hip, knee, or cataract operations. Furthermore, this growing crisis has led to urgent calls for quicker adoption of AI solutions from the specialist medical community. Dr. James Leong, an ophthalmologist based in Wellington, is among those leading the charge for new technology in clinical settings.
Dr. Leong has seen the benefits of AI firsthand, using Medow Health’s AI technology to streamline his practice. This system, designed for various medical fields, automates the creation of medical notes, reports, and referral letters. As a specialist in cataract surgery, medical retinal conditions, and uveitis, Dr. Leong noticed a positive effect on both patient flow and his workload at a higher rate. He typically sees between 24 and 30 patients each day and also performs surgeries in both his private practice and the public health system. Although he had taken notes throughout his career, he recognized that his personal shorthand was often difficult for others on the team to read, which was not always ideal for the patients or the rest of the staff.
Dr. Leong addressed common worries about AI, explaining that the main purpose of the technology is to free up his human intelligence for more important tasks. Furthermore, he noted that it allows him to focus on clinical judgment and engage more with the patient in front of him, which helps him make complex decisions. He clarified that AI manages the routine aspects of note-taking but does not replace essential human elements of care like empathy, experience, and nuance. He also mentioned that the technology has enhanced his interactions with patients. He now frequently summarizes his findings and discusses the patient’s condition as if a medical student were present. It can be mentioned that this approach not only helps the AI scribe capture the information but also gives patients more detailed insights about their health. Dr. Leong added that with the AI assistant, he can prepare a simple follow-up letter for patients by the time they reach his receptionist.
Joel Freiberg, the co-founder of Medow Health, stressed that technology provides much-needed support for overwhelmed specialists. He explained that their aim is to help, not replace, doctors. He described the manual production of medical reports as a tedious and complicated task that involves a lot of paperwork and hard work. Old reporting systems, he pointed out, have held specialists back and distracted them from patient care. He argued that AI saves time and enhances the quality of patient interactions. Freiberg noted that while the technology helps a single doctor see two or three additional patients daily, broader adoption across the health system could significantly impact specialist waitlists. He concluded by saying that when doctors get back their time, patients enjoy the benefits.
Medow Health reported that its AI platform, tailored to different medical specialties, was used in 250,000 specialist consultations across New Zealand and Australia in the last quarter. Freiberg stated that clinicians using the AI assistant for administrative tasks have said they can focus better during consultations, have more time in their day, and experience fewer work hours at night and on weekends, which helps reduce burnout.
These developments coincide with New Zealand’s recent launch of a national AI strategy, making it the last OECD country to implement one. The strategy aims to promote AI use in various sectors, including healthcare. To lighten the documentation load on clinicians, Health New Zealand has also approved the use of AI scribes in public hospitals and clinics. Medow Health has partnered with Incisive, a provider of practice management systems in New Zealand. This collaboration is expected to further improve specialist workflows and enhance the accuracy of documentation.
