U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E

HEAD OF HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AT MOMENTUM HEALTH SOLUTIONS

In this insightful interview , Margot Brews , Head of Health Risk Management Strategy at Momentum Health Solutions , delves into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in revolutionising healthcare . From enhancing efficiency and accessibility to addressing ethical considerations , Brews explores how AI is shaping South Africa ’ s healthcare landscape . She highlights its critical role in implementing the National Health Insurance ( NHI ), improving patient outcomes and paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future .

What impact is Artificial Intelligence expected to have on the healthcare sector ?

The healthcare sector has been on the cusp of substantial reform for quite some time . However , the introduction and application of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) across various healthcare disciplines will surely stand out as one of the most revolutionary eras in the industry .

This rapidly evolving field has been lauded as the key to unlocking greater quality in healthcare services , introducing more efficient protocols and treatment pathways , as well as considerably increasing access to healthcare across all demographics .

How is Artificial Intelligence being utilised in South Africa ’ s healthcare sector to improve health outcomes and support the implementation of the National Health Insurance ( NHI )?

When we place this in a local context , taking into consideration that steps to implement the NHI are already in motion , AI will be critical in helping implement specific elements , such as public health interventions . If we are to refer to the Covid-19 pandemic and its immense scale , AI was leveraged across various countries around the globe to predict the spread of the virus . In doing so , this allowed governments to implement protocols to curb its spread , as well as provide citizens with critical information in an effort to decrease its proliferation .

Looking at the medical schemes sector in South Africa , the industry aims to ultimately improve health outcomes for members and in doing so , encourage and maintain a better quality of life . AI has assisted Momentum Health Solutions in evaluating the delivery of healthcare in the future with clear goals that include increasing access to quality healthcare , and utilising the unmatched innovation that AI offers in assessing member profiles more comprehensively . This is to ensure that we are not only providing a service , but actually understanding in the broadest terms possible what type of care a member requires and partnering with them on that journey .

An example of this is closely analysing commonalities within a member ’ s treatment pathway . When we review clinical data such as doctors ’ consultations , the discipline of the doctor and their particular field of expertise , along with the medication prescribed , we can more timeously start to see patterns developing . This indicates and therefore informs us that the

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