AI in Healthcare: Hospitals Embracing Innovation
- Health systems are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient care and streamline operations.
- Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health has implemented 230 AI applications across its network of hospitals.
- Researchers at New York City's Mount Sinai health system have developed an AI model designed to refine stroke prevention strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation.
AI in Healthcare: Early Intervention and Operational Transformation
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Health systems are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient care and streamline operations. Here’s a look at recent initiatives from CommonSpirit Health, Mount Sinai Health System, and Northwell Health, as reported by Becker’s Hospital Review since August 29, 2024.
Updated september 17, 2024, 14:15:16 UTC
CommonSpirit Health: $100 Million in Savings with 230 AI Applications
Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health has implemented 230 AI applications across its network of hospitals. These applications, along with robotic process automation (RPA) tools, are generating over $100 million in annual savings, according to CIO Daniel Barchi in a report to Becker’s. The AI tools are being utilized in a variety of areas to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Mount Sinai Health System: AI-Driven Stroke Risk Assessment
Researchers at New York City’s Mount Sinai health system have developed an AI model designed to refine stroke prevention strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation. The model accurately assesses individual stroke and bleeding risks, possibly leading to more personalized treatment plans. Notably, the AI recommended *against* anticoagulation (blood thinners) for up to 50% of patients who would have otherwise received it based on current clinical guidelines, suggesting a potential for reducing unneeded medication and associated risks.
This AI model represents a shift towards precision medicine in stroke care, moving beyond standardized guidelines to consider individual patient characteristics. The potential impact includes improved patient safety and reduced healthcare costs associated with managing bleeding complications from unnecessary anticoagulation.
Northwell Health: Launching Agentic AI Companies with Ascertain
Northwell Health,based in New Hyde Park,New York,is fostering AI innovation through its venture arm,Northwell Holdings. In partnership with aegis Ventures, they launched Ascertain, a platform dedicated to building “agentic AI” companies – AI systems capable of independant action and problem-solving.
Early applications of AI agents developed through Ascertain have yielded meaningful time savings. Discharge planning, previously requiring 150 clicks, was reduced to just six. Moreover, generating prior authorizations for patient transfers to skilled nursing facilities was dramatically accelerated, decreasing from two hours to a mere six seconds. these improvements demonstrate the potential of agentic AI to automate complex administrative tasks and free up healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
The Growing Trend of AI Integration in Healthcare
These examples highlight a broader trend of health systems actively integrating AI into thier workflows. The benefits range from ample cost savings and increased efficiency to more personalized and effective patient care. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in healthcare is expected to expand, driving further innovation and improvements in the delivery of medical services.