ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEALTHCARE LABOR MARKET: HISTORICAL DYNAMICS, AUTOMATION RISKS, AND FUTURE TRENDS
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, automation, healthcare labor market, digital transformation, professional competenciesAbstract
This article examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the healthcare labor market, positioning current developments within the broader historical trajectory of technological transformation. The analysis traces the evolution of labor relations from the industrial revolutions to the digital era, in which AI not only automates routine tasks but also reshapes professional identity, competency requirements, and the boundaries between human and machine work. Drawing on international comparative data, the study highlights substantial differences across healthcare professions in terms of automation risk: high for routine technical activities and minimal for roles requiring clinical judgment, emotional engagement, and complex decision making. The findings indicate that automation is unlikely to replace human labor but will instead lead to the restructuring of professional roles, the reallocation of working hours, and the emergence of new skill demands. The article underscores the need for strategic policies in training, reskilling, and transition management to ensure a sustainable integration of technological capabilities and human expertise in healthcare delivery.
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