What new skills do HCP’s need to be ‘future-ready’ in the era of AI?

“The future of audiology is not just about hearing, but about innovating ways to connect people to their worlds more clearly, deeply, and meaningfully—your expertise and compassion are the keys to unlocking a world of possibilities for those you serve.”

• ChatGPT

Prompt: Write a motivational sentence for Hearing Heath Care Professionals about the future of their industry.

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With 20 years of experience in the hearing healthcare industry and an interest in how AI will shape the future, I completed a master’s degree in future technologies.

This article highlights key findings from my research, which focused on increasing the adoption of AI tools among professionals and tested the idea that hands-on experience with AI enables the ability to envision a transformed future. It also explores how professionals can be better supported with insights from leaders experienced in future-focused, transformational change. 

What can help us get future-ready?  

• Develop the skill of foresight

To be change ready, we need the ability to think beyond our current knowledge and experience. To better prepare for the future of hearing healthcare, thinking beyond the limits of our status quo and traditional practices is needed to embrace emerging healthcare trends. This can be achieved by initiating discussions about potential future scenarios and developing broader networks and collaborations.

• Upskill on AI

It’s hard to predict the impact of AI with limited knowledge and exposure to how it works. With firsthand experience, it’s easier for us to see the potential and have a deeper understanding of the risks. By increasing awareness and experience with AI, we bring more professionals into the discussion around how our industry could be reimagined.

• Life-long learning and adaptability are key skills

Our ability to keep learning over time is closely tied to our openness to change. Continuously updating skills and unlearning outdated methods are crucial capabilities for the future. In addition to professional qualifications and experience, the ability to be adaptable is a key skill needed in the future of work.¹

• Focus on your human potential  

As technology continues to automate our administrative and repetitive tasks, we can channel our energy into maximizing our human potential. The interpersonal aspects of compassionate, holistic healthcare will become even more essential. Our ability to connect, build trust, and communicate with empathy is key to helping clients and families make informed decisions, that consider not only clinical facts but also emotional and ethical considerations.

• Be aware of your relationship with change  

There are multiple things that impact your ability to be ready for change.  We are all different in how open we are to new experiences and uncertainty. This is also influenced by the environment that we are in and by our previous experiences of change. Understanding why we resist change is important.

Resistance can be beneficial in identifying risks and as a means of self-preservation. By understanding why resistance occurs and successfully working through it, we can ensure that changes, such as the adoption of new technologies or practices, are effectively critiqued and implemented in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

Leadership skills needed in the AI era

In times of uncertainty and fast-paced change, focusing on the ‘why’ helps determine where to concentrate efforts and how to be effective. A shared vision of the future simplifies navigating complexity and allows the ability to pivot, while maintaining a clear direction.

Good leadership is essential for fostering a culture of change adaptability by both developing the necessary skill sets and modelling desired behaviours. Enhancing adaptability increases agility, enabling individuals to pivot and refocus skill sets as needed.

What does the future of hearing healthcare look like?

The Future Hearing Journeys Report² offers an insightful exploration into the future landscape of hearing healthcare. This report focuses on anticipated shifts in service delivery and patient experience, emphasizing the importance of personalization, the integration of advanced technologies and the growing role of telehealth in providing accessible and efficient hearing care. AI will deliver more than just efficiencies in clinical notetaking and report writing.

A broader understanding of the impact on every aspect of hearing healthcare is needed. For example, we need to consider the impact of AI on accelerating medical and scientific discoveries in the prevention and treatment of hearing loss; new hearing technology innovations and how AI will impact where and what our service delivery looks like.

AI will impact how people with hearing loss access information, expect communication and can receive real time, personalized support and advice. With technology driving accelerated changes, we stand at an exciting pivotal moment, where with proactive design, we can lead the evolution of our practices with this technology. By embracing these innovations, we can envisage a future of reimagined hearing healthcare.

See you in the future!

AI and other advanced emerging technologies will have a transformative impact on all professions. The skills of foresight, adaptability, and resilience are needed to successfully navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.

Continuous upskilling and proactive engagement with new technologies increases professionals’ preparedness for the future. By embracing technological innovations and fostering an open mindset, hearing healthcare can enhance its service delivery and maintain its relevance in a digitally connected world.

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References:

1. McGowan, H. E., & Shipley, C. (2020). The adaptation advantage: Let go, learn fast, and thrive in the future of work. John Wiley & Sons.
2. IDA Institute. (2021). Future Hearing Journeys Report, retrieved from www.idainstitute.com