Advances in artificial intelligence have given rise to a new technological entity known as Alexa. Alexa is a technological device produced by Amazon. It is a device that uses voice recognition and converts it to actions that can be meaningful to the health sector. Amazon has engaged in a wide array of trials to determine if the technology can be used to manage patient information and further enhance privacy and confidentially as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). According to Amazon, the HIPAA compliance means that only selected entities and business associated would be required to share the patient information using the Alexa devices (Peek & Haubrich, 2018). Alexa will typically act as a way of transmitting patient information. A patient uses their voice to query Alexa for instance, about the blood pressure reading. The device searches for the information in the storage area and informs them immediately.
Other than accessing information, Alexa has several functions that would revolutionize the healthcare industry. The technology can help the elderly with their medications. Studies have shown that Alexa-based online applications can assist nurses in remaining attentive to elderly patients. The companion application allows the nurse to quickly check if a client has taken their medication. The Alexa device generally improves interaction in the care facility. The Alexa-powered devices assist patients in interacting with the care team. For instance, the patients can ask Alexa to call a nurse (Bickmore et al., 2018). Also, the patient can instruct Alexa to change the situations in the room such as the television station. Alexa can also play a critical role in acquainting patients with self-reliant skills. Some companies such as the Mayo Clinic have worked on Alexa programs that instant first-aid information. Therefore, the patient can access such information in case of an emergency.
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The main ethical concern that surrounds the use of Alexa in the care setting surrounds the privacy issue. First, although the parent company of the device is Amazon, they are not required to access patient information as indicated by HIPAA (PR Newswire, 2019). However, Amazon works with third parties for the storage of the data. There are fears that this could provide loopholes for the jeopardy of patient information and data. Concerns have also been raised as to whether the Alexa devices can promote loneliness on the part of the patient. With Alexa, the patient can request remote services thereby negating the need for constant company. However, the loneliness could eventually result in distress and psychological disturbances on the patient. Bickmore et al. (2018) say, “Reliance on conversational assistants for actionable medical information represents a safety risk for patients and consumers.”
However, the role of Alexa in care access, safety, and quality cannot be underestimated. The ability to avail patient information means that Alexa places patient in-charge of the care needs. It allows both the patient and the nurse to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which require constant assessment and evaluation (Cohen, 2019). It also bridges the gap between the patient and the caregiver. With the technology at hand, the patient can easily communicate and request the attention of the caregiver. As a result, this improves the quality of healthcare to a significant extent. Lastly, by leveraging evidence-based care, Alexa offers the nurses and the entire healthcare fraternity and opportunity to give patients tailored care.
References
Bickmore, T. W., Trinh, H., Olafsson, S., O'Leary, T. K., Asadi, R., Rickles, N. M., & Cruz, R. (2018). Patient and consumer safety risks when using conversational assistants for medical information: an observational study of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Journal of medical Internet research, 20(9), e11510.
Cohen, J. K. (2019). “Alexa read my blood glucose levels.” Modern Healthcare, 49(14), 11. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=135850330&site=eds-live
Peek, K. K., & Haubrich, K. (2018). “Hey Alexa, are you HIPAA compliant?” Ophthalmology Times, 43(13), 38. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=131428281&site=eds-live
PR Newswire. (2019, April 5). Amazon Alexa Is Now HIPAA-Eligible. What’s Next? PR Newswire US. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201904051251PR.NEWS.USPR.NE08628&site=eds-live
