Explore the impact of Big Data, AI, and machine learning on personalized treatment in healthcare. In the interview, we discuss medical innovations and their implications, including the integration of wearable technologies, data privacy concerns, and psychological barriers such as technophobia and robotophobia. Konrad Maj highlights the benefits and challenges of remote therapy applications and envisions a future where preventive medicine and information processing centers enhance healthcare efficiency. He also talked about the need for trust and user-friendly designs in medical innovations.

Konrad Maj – Head of the HumanTech Center for Social and Technological Innovation Faculty of Psychology in SWPS University based in Warsaw

Mariusz Kania: I propose we start with the future. In your opinion, what are the most important technological trends, medical innovations, that are changing the healthtech industry?

Konrad Maj: We live in times of significant developments in Big Data and artificial intelligence, which are leading us towards the personalization of treatment plans in the medical industry. We are all aware that treatment is often not well-suited to individual patients, lacking consideration for their specific characteristics, and sometimes medications are incorrectly dosed. This situation can change when we involve machine learning in the process, leading to the personalization of treatment.

A key aspect here is the sensorization of the human body, i.e., the development of wearable technologies. A lot is happening in this field, but it is not yet adequately integrated with the healthcare system. Smartwatches can monitor blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and in the case of women, the menstrual cycle. The amount of data is increasing, although there are still precision issues, but the technology is continuously evolving.

In the future, every hospital will have information processing centers. Medicine will become more preventive than interventional. We will be able to determine in advance what is happening in the human body before something bad occurs. Machine learning will allow us to predict the consequences of lifestyle choices and genetic factors on health. It may even reach a point where ambulances will arrive for patients who are not yet showing symptoms of an impending illness and transport them to the hospital. Or notifications will be sent requesting them to visit a medical facility because, for example, they are at risk of a stroke in a few days.

Medicine will become more preventive than interventional

Risks and Challenges in Medical Technology

Mariusz Kania: I would like to move on to the risks associated with this development. Could you say something about that? 

Konrad Maj: The first thing that comes to mind is data privacy. Gaining access to this data could lead to a situation where an unwanted person can control a specific individual. A significant threat is cyberattacks, which could lead to the death of a person or even a group of people. This could happen through data manipulation in the system, causing it to make mistakes and incorrectly classify symptoms.

Data collection can also become extreme. There are already toilets that can not only measure blood pressure but also analyze feces. This could lead to situations where someone’s privacy is severely invaded. For instance, parents might want to know what their child is consuming or if they are taking any substances, and data from such a toilet could enable extreme control. In some situations, this might have its advantages, but in others, it could be a threat.

There might also be a problem related to a shift in thinking, leading to the so-called Internet of Bodies. Bracelets, watches, rings, and applications will generate so much data that it could result in hypersensitivity. Already, some people are stressed out when they look at their phones or smartwatches and see the number of steps they have taken that day. The situation will become much more serious when we constantly check devices for blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, vitamin levels, etc. This could lead to a situation where we experience permanent stress.

To some extent, a lack of awareness can be positive. This may sound controversial, but if someone is hypersensitive and surrounds themselves with such devices, the outcome could be the opposite of what was intended. Creating virtual copies of individual people using Digital Twin technology will allow us to simulate the processes occurring in our bodies. This will expand the scope of the concept of Self, increase body self-awareness, self-concentration and understanding various changes inside us. People who are overly sensitive to certain information may panic, and this persistent stress could lead to the development of mental illnesses. Constant alerts could cause significant anxiety. So, this vision of development is not beneficial for everyone.

Remote Therapy Applications

Mariusz Kania: Now I would like to ask a question related to therapy. In your opinion, can the currently available applications help in quitting addictions? 

Konrad Maj: These types of applications allow for remote therapy. For some, the lack of a human on the other side is a major drawback, while for others, it’s a significant advantage. Humans tend to judge others, which can be intimidating. In human interactions, we usually adopt some form of self-presentation, which can cause stress. Technological mediation can break down the barriers to starting therapy by eliminating the need for confrontation with another judgmental person and reducing the feeling of shame.

Studies show that labeling oneself as an alcoholic can be humiliating and prevent individuals from overcoming negative thoughts about themselves. A person with an addiction is not just an alcoholic and does not need to view the world through that stigma. In some cases, confrontation can be helpful and lead to good results, but we must remember that each case is unique.

Technological mediation can break down the barriers to starting therapy

In the USA, there is an application called Pear reSET, which helps quit addictions and is approved by relevant authorities confirming its effectiveness. It offers various stress management techniques, reminders of therapeutic goals, and the ability to contact a therapist. The application can be a starting point for traditional therapy. Some people need that anonymous first step, while for others, the application alone may be sufficient.

Psychological Barriers in Medical Technology

Mariusz Kania: Could you say more about the psychological barriers that affect the development of technology in the medical field? 

Konrad Maj: There is a common stereotype that some people cannot accept the idea of interacting with an artificial entity, which raises concerns for them. Some individuals suffer from technophobia, and robotophobia, and cannot even interact with simple computers. Some reject such solutions, claiming they do not want to be managed by technology, which is a form of technophobia.

This dehumanization of certain interactions can cause people to have limited trust in technology and feel uncomfortable. Trust is crucial for any technological solution to be effective. People struggling with addictions or other illnesses, or simply older individuals, may suffer from cognitive deficits. As a result, they will have trouble using such applications. It is a significant challenge to ensure the application is personalized and easy to use.

Another important factor is the distrust related to data privacy. Users are unsure how their data is processed, what it is used for, and whether the information they share will end up with their boss, manager, or insurer. During a conversation with a therapist, people are aware that it is not recorded. However, technological solutions involve data archiving and some fear data breaches. 

Impact on Medical Professions and Healthcare Efficiency

Mariusz Kania: You mentioned that changes in healthcare will create a demand for data analysts. Will this development bring relieve those in strictly medical professions? Could this be a way to address healthcare inefficiencies? 

Konrad Maj: Currently, a lot of time and effort in healthcare is directed towards diagnosis and patient history analysis. Not all medical ecosystems are interconnected. Often, doctors are unaware of the patient’s medical history or what medications they are taking. While there have been improvements, we are still far from having a well-functioning system.

Before treatment can begin, healthcare workers must perform a significant amount of work to gather all this information. Sometimes patients are not entirely honest during interviews, and their lifestyle is unknown. Technology can make this data readily available. Automation and robotization can allow medical staff to focus more on the patients and conversations with them.

Robots can take on educational roles, explaining in an engaging way how patients should take care of themselves and take their medications. Of course, a doctor must be present in the treatment process, and we cannot fully replace them. Virtual reality can also be an excellent solution, allowing us to simulate certain processes, create different scenarios, or demonstrate proposed exercises to patients.

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