Why AI Needs Empathy: Healthcare's Human-Technology Balance

24/09/2025 17 min
Why AI Needs Empathy: Healthcare's Human-Technology Balance

Listen "Why AI Needs Empathy: Healthcare's Human-Technology Balance"

Episode Synopsis

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected] happens when you apply four decades of customer experience expertise to healthcare's most pressing challenges? David Shapiro, COO of Premier Annex, offers a masterclass in transforming patient experiences through what he calls "tech-enabled human in the loop" solutions.Healthcare providers excel at medical care but often struggle with patient experience – those crucial moments when patients schedule appointments, seek information, or navigate the healthcare system while already feeling vulnerable. Shapiro's revolutionary approach doesn't force a choice between technology and human touch; instead, it harmonizes both. "If you use only technology, you'll lose empathy," he explains, describing how AI serves as a co-pilot that retrieves information while human representatives deliver it with genuine understanding.This interview introduces groundbreaking concepts reshaping healthcare service delivery. "Right-shoring" replaces outdated offshoring stereotypes by strategically placing operations based on specific client needs – including leveraging the Philippines' abundant nursing graduates to provide medical expertise at competitive rates. Meanwhile, "co-sourcing" represents a deeper partnership where Premier Annex seamlessly extends healthcare providers' capabilities rather than functioning as a separate entity.Despite AI's transformative potential, Shapiro maintains that the future belongs to balanced approaches where technology handles routine tasks while humans focus on complex, empathy-requiring interactions. Premier Annex embraces this evolution through their internal AI lab, continuously developing applications that enhance rather than replace human connections. For healthcare leaders navigating this changing landscape, Shapiro offers timeless advice: stay open-minded, foster creativity, and build learning organizations that constantly evolve.Tired of being stuck on hold while feeling unwell? Frustrated by healthcare's administrative hurdles? Listen as Shapiro reveals how Premier Annex is breaking down these barriers to create seamless patient experiences. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn or visit premierannex.com to learn how these innovations might transform your organization's approach to patient care.Support the showMore at https://linktr.ee/EvanKirstel