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Medical Care

Pope Francis Urges Medical Community to Heal with Compassion

2024-11-29

Pope Francis, on a significant Friday, addressed a gathering of dentists from the renowned University of Naples. This institution, founded as the world's first state-sponsored university, holds a special place in history. Pope Francis emphasized that its vision, promoted by its founder, is to foster universal knowledge and serve the common good.

Pope Francis Inspires Medical Community with Timeless Principles

Do No Harm

In emphasizing the first principle of "do no harm," Pope Francis highlighted its practical importance. He pointed out that it requires a realistic approach, acknowledging the pain and suffering that patients already endure. Doctors, he said, must always act in a way that alleviates pain rather than exacerbating it. This calls for a deep sense of responsibility and empathy. For example, when treating a patient with a chronic illness, a doctor must be careful not to prescribe treatments that may cause additional harm. Instead, they should focus on finding the most appropriate and gentle approach to manage the condition.

Take Care

Reflecting on the second principle of "take care," the Pope emphasized that it is a divine call. He shared a personal story from his early twenties when part of his lung had to be removed. He recounted how the touch of the nurses, who held his hand after giving injections, gave him strength. This human tenderness, he explained, goes beyond treating symptoms. It means caring for the whole person - their body, mind, and spirit. In a medical setting, this could involve taking the time to listen to a patient's concerns, providing emotional support, and ensuring their overall well-being.

Heal

Finally, Pope Francis called on medical professionals to emulate Christ, who healed every kind of illness and infirmity. He emphasized that healing is not just a profession but a sacred act. Doctors should find joy in the good they bring to those who suffer and draw on the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which describes the Church's mission as "healing every wound and reconciling humanity." For instance, in a surgical setting, a doctor not only performs the physical act of healing but also provides comfort and hope to the patient and their family.Pope Francis expressed gratitude to those present for their dedication and perseverance. He reminded them of their role as educators and healers, stating that a doctor exists to heal from harm and always care. Even if a patient's condition seems dire, he urged them to accompany the patient to the end. This shows the importance of compassion and care in the medical field, not just in treating the illness but in supporting the patient throughout their journey.

The construction industry is widely recognized for its unforgiving project timelines, vast sites that demand meticulous management, hazardous working environments, and razor-thin profit margins. These factors render the industry particularly vulnerable to universal challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the escalating demands of environmental social governance (ESG), and the aging of the workforce. As a result, construction companies find themselves at a crossroads, needing to embrace innovative technologies to stay competitive and meet the growing demands of a global population.

Unleashing the Potential of AI in Construction

The Benefits of AI in Construction

Contrary to popular belief, the construction industry has been slow to embrace digitalization. However, the potential applications of AI in this sector are vast and transformative. Predictive analytics powered by AI can assist construction companies in optimizing project management, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing costs. Computer vision technology enables large-scale data collection, allowing for the early detection of safety hazards and the prevention of workplace injuries. Moreover, AI-enabled autonomous construction machinery holds the promise of supercharging efficiency while keeping human workers out of harm's way.

Construction companies must recognize the significance of investing in AI. The following matrix highlights the key areas where construction companies should focus their time and resources. GlobalData recommends that companies invest in technologies shaded green, explore the potential of technologies shaded yellow, and avoid technologies shaded red.

Decision-Making AI Capabilities

All construction companies, regardless of their value chain segment, should invest in decision-making AI capabilities. These capabilities encompass calculating, forecasting, and planning. From the initial conceptual design phase to project financing and construction, AI-driven decision-making empowers construction companies to make data-driven choices. In every stage of the construction process, except procurement, AI-enabled computer vision provides detailed and up-to-date data to enhance decision-making.

The Motion Capability of Advanced AI in Construction

The motion capability of advanced AI is particularly valuable in certain segments of the construction value chain. In construction, design, and engineering, investing in AI-enabled autonomous construction equipment not only mitigates health and safety hazards but also improves the efficiency of construction projects and alleviates some of the industry's recruitment challenges. Generative AI, another advanced AI capability, uses machine learning algorithms to create various forms of content such as text, images, video, audio, and software code. In the design stages of the construction value chain, AI's creative capabilities can expedite processes by generating building designs. Natural language processing-enabled AI chatbots can assist construction workers in answering their queries in segments like construction, operation, and maintenance.

The State of AI in Construction

A 2024 GlobalData World Construction Network survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of construction workers globally believe AI is already making a significant impact on their industry or will do so within the next five years. Conversely, almost one in five construction workers think AI will never have an impact. Another survey shows that 23% of construction workers consider the cost of technology as the main barrier to investing in AI, followed by the need for more proven technology (20%) and a lack of necessary skills (20) for successful implementation. While cost may be a limiting factor for smaller construction companies, the productivity gains offered by AI solutions make it a necessary investment for those with the means. Technology transformation teams within construction companies must effectively communicate the tangible benefits and reliability of AI solutions, addressing employees' concerns about job displacement and emphasizing how AI tools can work in collaboration with workers.

International construction company Skanska has taken a significant step by launching a new program focused on assisting small businesses and bolstering the workforce. In Douglasville, Georgia, there is a pressing need for skilled labor as the construction industry continues to grow. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, over 450,000 workers are required to meet the rising demands. Skanska's program aims to address this issue and empower local small businesses.

Skanska's Impact on Small Business Growth and Workforce

Murphy's Journey in the Construction Industry

Some might consider Virginia Murphy an unlikely CEO of Waste Water Industrial Solutions. As she herself would tell you, a lot of her work is behind walls and not immediately visible. When she walks into a room, nine times out of ten, she is the only female present. But her expertise quickly shines through. She started her business in 2017 with just five employees and has since grown to 35. Murphy's determination and skills have been key to her success.She now sees a new partnership with Skanska as a crucial opportunity to take her business to the next level. "Because of the things that Skanska has taught us, we'll be able to manage that growth better," she shared with Good Day's Lindsay Tuman.

Skanska's Excellence in Construction Leadership Program

Skanska chose Murphy's company as one of the small businesses for its Excellence in Construction Leadership Program. This program connects Skanska leadership with local construction companies, offering executive-level training and networking opportunities. Matt Frey, the vice president and account manager of Skanska USA Building, explained, "It is designed to impact that local small business, empower them to grow their forces. When they're empowered, they have the ability to reach down and bring up more workforce, and it just trickles down. It's a chain effect we're proud to lead with the small business community."The program provides valuable resources and guidance that Murphy is leveraging to expand her business and bring in more employees. Some of these employees receive skills training right on-site.

The Impact on the Community

Murphy emphasizes the importance of respecting the hard work of these employees who build America. She believes that with the support of Skanska, her business can make a significant impact on the community. As Frey stated, "Now we're changing the community, now we're changing schools, now we're changing health care facilities. The entire community starts to change, grow, and be better together."This collaborative effort between Skanska and small businesses holds the promise of filling more jobs and narrowing the gap in the workforce, ultimately leading to a more prosperous future for all.