Predictions are always tricky, but we decided to play along and predict how patient care and the doctor-patient relationship might evolve in France in 2025.
The rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence has transformed the way we approach healthcare, changing the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship in France. By 2025, these transformations have resulted in a more efficient, accessible and preventive healthcare system, while confronting the medical profession with major adjustments.
Artificial Intelligence is at the forefront of these changes, dramatically improving diagnosis, assistance to healthcare professionals and disease monitoring. Faced with a shortage of doctors and persistent medical deserts, the French government has taken a bold step: a law allowing pharmacists to dispense prescriptions to treat eight of the most common ailments. Colds, flu, angina, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, laryngitis, sinusitis and gastroenteritis can now be diagnosed and treated in the pharmacy. Thanks to advances in biomarker research, other pathologies should gradually be added to the list.
To establish a diagnosis, patients will no longer systematically visit their doctor. Instead, they will visit their pharmacy, where two types of test will be offered: a salivary test for routine diagnoses, and a more precise serological test for cases requiring time off work. The latter is performed using a device also equipped with sensors to measure various parameters such as oxygen levels, ECG and temperature…
An AI specialized in medical diagnostics will then use the results of these tests, along with the patient’s medical history, to tell the pharmacist which prescriptions are needed and which drugs are recommended according to the various pharmaceutical laboratories, including any contraindications.
AI will also be able to recommend a medical consultation with a doctor in the event of more serious pathology or discordant health data. In such cases, the data analyzed by the AI will be automatically forwarded to the attending physician, and the patient will receive an SMS containing a code to enable him or her to book an appointment quickly.
Faced with the concern of doctors who fear losing over 90% of their clientele, the law is accompanied by another measure. Every adult who wishes to continue to benefit from medical cover will have to undergo a comprehensive health check-up by the attending physician every four years between the ages of 20 and 50, every two years between the ages of 50 and 60, and then every year after the age of 60. This health check-up, similar to the technical inspection of our vehicles, will enable us to detect health problems earlier and promote prevention.
At the same time, occupational medicine will evolve, via a major national program, to focus more on the mental health of employees. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of depression and burn-out in the workplace, recognizing the importance of mental health to employee productivity and well-being.
These revolutionary changes in the French healthcare system of 2025 reflect a more proactive approach to medicine, offering patients easier access to care while preserving their health and quality of life. As machines take over certain tasks, doctors move towards a role as advisors and health specialists. Patients will benefit from more efficient and preventive care, tailored to their individual needs. Time will tell. In any case, that’s what the government is promising…