North Country HealthCare is a crucial provider of care in rural Northern Arizona, serving 55,000 individuals across remote regions where access to specialty care can be a challenge. Dr. Jennifer Cortes, the quality and population health medical officer at the federally qualified health center, highlighted the difficulties in recruiting providers due to the geographic isolation of some communities.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to alleviate some of the administrative burdens on clinicians at safety-net providers like North Country HealthCare. Dr. Cortes expressed optimism about the use of AI scribes, such as ChatGPT, to streamline clinical documentation and reduce burnout among healthcare workers. However, implementing AI projects can be labor-intensive and resource-intensive for organizations with limited budgets and technical expertise.
The digital divide in healthcare AI adoption is a concern, as larger and more affluent providers are more likely to benefit from AI technologies compared to smaller, rural facilities. Brian Anderson, CEO of the Coalition for Health AI, emphasized the reinforcement of disparities in healthcare if low-resource providers are unable to harness the potential of AI tools.
Adopting AI in healthcare settings requires specialized human resources and technical capabilities, posing significant challenges for safety-net providers operating on slim margins. The financial constraints and workforce shortages faced by community health centers make it difficult to invest in the IT infrastructure needed for AI implementation.
The lack of data scientists and IT staff with the necessary expertise further hinders the adoption of AI tools in safety-net settings. Outdated technology systems and limited access to resources exacerbate the technology gap, making it challenging for providers to integrate AI into their workflows effectively.
Without assistance, low-resource providers may miss out on the benefits of AI technology or adopt tools without proper safeguards, potentially widening disparities in healthcare. Innovative support models, similar to those used for EHR adoption, could help small providers navigate the complexities of implementing AI solutions.
Collaboration between larger health systems, academic medical centers, and industry partnerships could facilitate the adoption of AI in safety-net settings. Programs like the Health AI Partnership’s Practice Network aim to provide technical support and guidance to organizations like North Country HealthCare in navigating AI procurement and implementation processes.
As the healthcare industry continues to invest in AI technologies, it is essential to ensure that all providers, including safety-net organizations, have the resources and support needed to leverage AI for improved patient care. Bridging the gap between AI innovation and healthcare delivery in underserved communities is crucial for achieving equitable access to advanced technologies in healthcare.
