Balancing act: the complex role of artificial intelligence in addressing burnout and healthcare workforce dynamics

Abstract

Burnout and workforce attrition present pressing global challenges in healthcare, severely impacting the quality of patient care and the sustainability of health systems worldwide. Artificial intelligence (AI) has immense potential to reduce the administrative and cognitive burdens that contribute to burnout through innovative solutions such as digital scribes, automated billing and advanced data management systems. However, these innovations also carry significant risks, including potential job displacement, increased complexity of medical information and cases, and the danger of diminishing clinical skills. To fully leverage AI’s potential in healthcare, it is essential to prioritise AI technologies that align with stakeholder values and emphasise efforts to re-humanise medical practice. By doing so, AI can contribute to restoring a sense of purpose, fulfilment and efficacy among healthcare workers, reinforcing their essential role as caregivers, rather than distancing them from these core professional attributes.