From Hype to Action: AI series: Quick Wins

In the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, technology has become a game-changer. With the help of AI solutions, healthcare providers can now improve their services while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. However, implementing AI in healthcare can be a complex process that requires careful consideration.

To start with, it is crucial to understand the pain points of the healthcare industry and the expectations of the personnel who will use AI solutions. Once these have been identified as we discussed in the previous posts, the next step is to choose the right place to start. Generally, it is recommended to begin with the early adopters and the more technologically inclined personnel in the organizations. This could be a physician or nurse with a technology orientation or other persons from the administration or management departments.

It is important to note that the starting point should be a small, focused topic that ensures measurable improvement. By starting with a narrow focus, it becomes easier for the organization to see the change and progress that AI solutions can provide, making it easier to continue with more complex and advanced solutions in the future.

A clear example of a small and focused topic that can yield measurable improvements is schedule optimization. Healthcare workers' hours are expensive, and health organizations want to build the most efficient schedule with minimum no-shows and maximum services the health workers can complete in their time slot. By using AI solutions that learn patterns, recognize statistical trends for patients not attending their encounters, and recommend ways to improve them, the organization can achieve significant benefits.

Implementing AI solutions for schedule optimization not only reduces costs but also increases efficiency, which can lead to better patient care. AI solutions can help predict patient no-shows, allowing for the optimization of staff schedules and the reduction of wasted time. This, in turn, leads to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the healthcare industry must embrace technology to stay competitive. By starting with small and focused AI solutions that yield measurable improvements, healthcare providers can gain confidence in the technology and continue to implement more complex and advanced solutions in the future. Schedule optimization is just one example of how AI solutions can improve efficiency and reduce costs, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.