Big changes are everywhere in today’s business world, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
“Today, the business world faces unprecedented, rapid changes in technology, audience demographics, and the competitive landscape,” wrote author Pamela T. Johnson, MD, from the department of radiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and colleagues. “Changes in these three landscapes are producing upheaval across almost every industry.”
So what, exactly, does this mean for radiology? According to the study’s authors, these are three lessons radiologists can take away from the rapidly changing business landscape:
1. Embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies.
Instead of worrying about AI, radiologists should embrace its ability to have a positive impact on “diagnostic accuracy, report quality, electronic medical record functionality and the patient experience.”
Businesses can’t risk falling too far behind, the authors added, because these evolving technologies are going to keep moving forward whether radiology is on board or not.
“Because of their tremendous potential to uproot multiple industries in one fell swoop, these technologies must be accounted for by businesses imminently,” the authors wrote. “Consumers interact with artificial intelligence technologies on a daily basis—from talking to Siri to Google Photos face recognition—and as such, every company should have a strategy to confront this reality.”
2. Learn how to properly optimize content.
Johnson et al. noted that, in a time of social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, content creation is crucial to the success of any business. “As more radiologists master social media for professional networking, education, and communication with patients and providers, understanding how to optimize content is critical,” they wrote.
The distribution of this content must be considered by a business “from the very inception of their creative idea,” the authors added, and healthcare providers are not an exception to that rule.
3. Consider, and learn from, younger generations.
In today’s fast-moving business world, companies can’t afford to ignore millennials and their successors, “generation Z.” Yes, older patients remain much more common in healthcare, but providers can still reach these younger generations with messages about living a healthier lifestyle, for example.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.