Posted by Peter P. Greaney, M.D.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies in healthcare is poised to transform the delivery of occupational health services in the U.S.

Healthcare is becoming a highly technical field, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of the human touch. Occupational health is both a science and an art. AI can serve as a valuable tool to enhance both dimensions.

I agree with other thought leaders who see AI-related technology as a tool physicians should use to augment their medical practice, not as a replacement for doctors. Using AI, occupational health providers will have instantaneous access to diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on the best medical practices and data from millions of cases.

The use of algorithms and machine learning will help make these recommendations even more robust, accurate, and individualized over time. AI-driven technology will also encourage employee adherence with care guidance and help streamline administrative functions for more efficient and cost-effective healthcare management.

At WorkCare, our plans include the use of proprietary employee health information management platforms that put AI at the forefront of our business processes. For example, we will use AI to:

• Build on our years of experience in the practice of occupational medicine
• Simplify telehealth triage and medical management transactions
• Streamline appointment scheduling with qualified providers
• Auto-populate and securely store electronic medical records
• Provide self-service access to certain functions and work-status reports
• Help expedite hiring, job placement, and return-to-work decisions

These efforts are driven by professionals at WorkCare who understand industry regulations, workplace environments, and the benefits of caring deeply about employee health and safety.

 FDA Guidance – A Related Development

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released guidance on Dec. 4, 2024, that is intended to streamline the market submission approval process for medical devices that use AI, including those that enable a machine or system to learn and improve its performance over time.

In the guidance document, the FDA supports revisions to its approval process for the development and release of AI-enabled device software functions (AI-DSFs). It states that the process should be the “least burdensome for manufacturers” while providing reasonable assurance of device safety and effectiveness.

Under the newly released guidelines, manufacturers can seek approval to change AI-enabled products without having to file a new submission. Applicants are expected to describe planned changes to a device, outline the testing needed to ensure the device remains safe and effective, and include a risk-mitigation strategy.

The FDA recognizes that AI-related technology has the potential to improve methods of disease detection, diagnosis, therapeutics, and user experiences. The agency also notes that its guidance exemplifies its commitment to developing innovative approaches to the regulation of device software functions, in general.

If you believe, as I do, that the practice of preventive medicine and population health management depends on astute pattern recognition, you will understand why the FDA is taking steps to support the iterative processes that are needed to drive technological advancements.

Dr. Peter P. Greaney is WorkCare’s Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Executive Chairman.