AI driven Lay-off: is it inevitable for healthcare professionals too?

Abstract

In recent decade, explosive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been witnessed in every walk of life. AI has modified human life by improving communications, traveling, car industry, commerce, construction, healthcare and agriculture. It is predicted that AI,  using Deep Reinforcement Learning Techniques (DRLT),  by 2050 or earlier will reach the level of general human intelligence. Although all this progress is welcomed, it is foreseen that it may be followed by significant threats to humanity and skilled professionals. Since its entry in healthcare arena, there has been a debate and concern whether AI is a friend or foe? AI is considered not a threat that would replace healthcare professionals, instead it is a powerful tool that transforms workflows by taking over tedious administrative tasks, accelerating first-level diagnostics, and reducing burnout. On the other hand, AI poses significant risks like automation bias and data privacy concerns which favors "human-in-the-loop" as essential component for safe care. But AI-driven layoffs continue to accelerate across all industries as economic headwinds persist and companies deploy generative AI as part of their core operations.