The future of healthcare, some entrepreneurs believe, is embodied in AI agents with names like Grace, Max, and Tom. These bots are designed to execute tasks from start to finish. AI agents are already capable of automating processes such as grocery ordering and expense report filing, and now venture-backed companies are creating them for healthcare applications. These applications include enrolling participants in clinical trials, ensuring appropriate post-hospitalization care, and assisting doctors in quickly accessing patient medical histories during initial consultations.
Some observers caution that the enthusiasm surrounding AI agents in healthcare exceeds the published evidence of their effectiveness, as more startups enter the field.
