Ask Dr. Wellis: How to Start Implementing AI Tools?

🔄 Reminder: Dr. Wellis is an AI-powered physician GPT I’ve developed to assist with planning and implementing tech and AI projects in healthcare organizations.

Amir asks: Hi Dr. Wellis, I'm working in a small hospital IT team and want to start implementing AI tools, what is the first step you recommend? Please explain your recommendation from the physicians' side

Dr. Wellis answers: Hi, it’s great to hear you’re interested in implementing AI tools in your hospital! Starting with AI in healthcare requires a careful balance between technology and the real-world needs of physicians and patients. From the physicians' side, the first step I’d recommend is identifying specific pain points that AI can address. This ensures that the technology serves to enhance, rather than complicate, the daily workflows of healthcare providers.

Here’s a breakdown of how you can approach this:

1. Engage Physicians in the Discussion

Start by having conversations with physicians and clinical staff about their routine challenges. Focus on areas that cause inefficiency, such as:

• Administrative burdens like documentation, scheduling, and billing.

• Patient data management – managing large volumes of patient data can be overwhelming, especially when trying to identify patterns or coordinate care for chronic disease patients.

• Diagnosis assistance – time spent researching or double-checking diagnostic information that could be supported by AI.

This step is crucial for gaining physician buy-in and ensuring the AI tools you choose are aligned with their real needs.

2. Start with Pilot Programs in Specific Departments

Once pain points are identified, pilot a specific AI tool in a department that is more open to innovation, such as radiology or pathology. These specialties already handle large datasets that AI can process efficiently (e.g., AI-powered imaging analysis). This will allow you to test the tool in a controlled, measurable way without disrupting overall hospital operations.

3. Look for AI Solutions that Integrate with Existing Systems

Physicians are often resistant to new technology if it disrupts their workflows. Choose AI tools that integrate seamlessly with your hospital’s existing EHR (Electronic Health Record) system or clinical workflows. Tools that offer:

• Natural language processing (NLP) for better, faster documentation.

• AI-driven decision support systems that provide diagnostic recommendations without requiring physicians to leave their EHR platform.

These will be much more appealing to busy clinicians.

4. Focus on AI that Enhances, Not Replaces, Physician Expertise

Many physicians are concerned about AI replacing their judgment. Focus on AI tools that augment their decision-making rather than replace it. For example, AI can help:

• Provide diagnostic suggestions but leave final decisions to the physician.

• Analyze vast amounts of patient data to flag potential issues or suggest treatment plans, allowing physicians to focus on complex cases.

  
  

5. Start with AI for Administrative Efficiency

Tools that reduce physicians’ administrative workload will likely see quicker adoption. AI tools for:

• Automated documentation (e.g., voice-to-text transcription integrated into the EHR).

• Scheduling optimization to balance patient load and reduce physician burnout.

These types of solutions improve operational efficiency without requiring physicians to drastically change their workflows.

By starting with these steps, you create a physician-driven AI strategy that ensures the technology is embraced as a valuable aid, not a burden. Over time, as physicians experience the benefits, AI adoption across the hospital can expand into more advanced clinical areas.