Information and Communication Technology Medicine: Integrative Specialty for the Future of Medicine

Abstract

The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on medicine is unprecedented and ever-increasing. This has made it more and more difficult for doctors to keep pace with ICT developments and to adequately match the input of ICT experts. As a result, medical disciplines may not be able to take full advantage of growing possibilities. In this personal viewpoint paper, I argue for the establishment of a novel medical specialty, ICT medicine. ICT medicine is needed to optimally face the challenges of ICT-based developments, including artificial intelligence (AI), and to ensure their efficient and beneficial use. ICT medicine is rooted in both medicine and ICT, and in contrast to existing medical specialties it is integrative in nature, as long-standing structural collaborations with ICT and other stakeholders cross the boundaries between disciplines. Thus, new concepts and theories may evolve that are better suited to addressing ICT-related issues in medicine. ICT doctors will be instrumental in the conception, development, implementation, and evaluation of digital tools, systems, and services. They provide a bridge between ICT professionals and clinical users and educate doctors in digital applications and services. Notably, ICT doctors may have a pivotal role in the validation, verification, and evaluation of AI models. ICT medicine institutes offer a home to these new professionals, enhancing their independence within health care organizations and in relation to ICT companies. Importantly, in an era of growing technicalization and use of AI algorithms, ICT doctors may safeguard the human factor in medicine. And, from a societal perspective, they may promote digital inclusion and the continuing high quality of digital services and provide leadership in the future digitalization of medicine.