How AI Can Enable and Support Both Caregivers and Patients

Artificial intelligence (AI) will never replace the human touch in healthcare. But, when it’s used properly and to its full capability, AI has the potential to improve the delivery of care for both patients and providers.

AI is not meant to replace humans. Human judgment should remain the ultimate decision-maker. But, AI can support the jobs that humans do by performing repetitive, tedious and time-consuming tasks so that people don’t have to. That leaves more time for people to do the more critical tasks that require human intervention.

Not only does AI save time – it can also improve the delivery of care. By streamlining processes, supporting caregiver decision-making, and reducing inefficiencies, AI reduces the cost of healthcare while making it more accessible.

The type of machine learning used by GE HealthCare can help health systems predict and resolve bottlenecks. For example, our technology tools can predict census for up to 14 days in the future. With an hour-by-hour breakdown of projected patient volumes, the health system can make proactive staffing decisions, such as when and where more staff will be needed. They can also be more confident about accepting transfer patients, knowing that they’ll be able to meet their needs.

AI isn’t a crutch to be relied upon, but a tool to be wielded. A nurse’s job isn’t to just look at forecasts, and a staffing coordinator doesn’t wait all day for staffing forecasts. Whether algorithms are applied to worker allocation or radiology, they must be used in context to be helpful. Think of AI as a compass on your phone – by itself, it’s not likely to be very helpful. But, when that compass is part a complete navigation app, it’s incredibly useful.