Research shows that doctors who offer empathic and positive messages can reduce a patient's pain, improve their recovery after surgery, and lower the amount of morphine they need. But it doesn't mean that telling a patient something simple, such as "this drug will make you feel better," will have an effect. Positive messages are usually repeated, definite, specific, and personal. They should also be communicated by an authority figure who shows empathy (see graphic below). While our study does not identify what the most effective components of a positive message are (the sample was too small), the results imply that, for example, a positive message that is not specific or personalized and is delivered by a doctor perceived to lack authority and empathy, will not have the desired effect.

As health-care providers plough millions into AI-powered machines, blockchain and other expensive innovative technologies to improve the future of medicine, there are concerns that health care costs could go up. "I think the technology is going to help us streamline the operations and reduce our operating costs," said Verma, pointing out that most costs these days are associated with manual work. "AI would help you to make it automated, so the future systems are going to help reduce your costs." In China, one of the largest health care markets in the world, Dai said AI can play an important role in improving efficiency for the hospitals. "I don't think AI is all the time adding to costs," he said. "In most cases, it saves the costs."