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Can we predict the effects of artificial intelligence and virtual care on the health labour market?

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen J. Robson

    (The Australian National University)

  • Martin Hensher

    (University of Tasmania)

  • Jeffrey C. Looi

    (The Australian National University)

Abstract

Australian society, as is observed globally, is undergoing a profound demographic shift with an ageing population imposing increasing demands on the health system. There is a well-recognised association between an ageing population and the need for health and aged care. As such, the demand for high quality care services will grow necessitating the attraction, training and retention of workers supported by better use of technology and data. With increasing demand for a healthcare workforce of appropriate size and skill, attention has turned to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual care as potential ways of dealing with labour market supply constraints. While these new technologies are exciting at this point, they are nascent and there is not, as yet, clear evidence that they will have a major effect on health workforce requirements. It is too early to be optimistic regarding artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare, and virtual care still requires a workforce to underpin its operations. Cautious evaluation is necessary before artificial intelligence and virtual care become practical in more complex human healthcare tasks or can emulate the abilities of humans in delivering human-centred healthcare.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen J. Robson & Martin Hensher & Jeffrey C. Looi, 2024. "Can we predict the effects of artificial intelligence and virtual care on the health labour market?," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 27(2), pages 143-160.
    • Handle: RePEc:ozl:journl:v:27:y:2024:i:2:p:143-160
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand

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