Rush Medical Group Implements AI-Powered Technology to Combat Physician Burnout
In a proactive move before the pandemic hit, Rush Medical Group in Chicago identified a common issue among its physicians and advanced practice providers – the overwhelming burden of administrative tasks. Realizing the negative impact this had on patient care and provider well-being, Rush sought a solution that would allow its healthcare team to focus on what truly matters: meaningful interactions with patients.
The Challenge:
The primary goal was to reduce the time spent on documentation and charting, enabling providers to allocate more time to patient care, catch up on pending tasks, or simply take a moment for themselves. The overarching aim was to enhance the quality of care delivered to Rush patients and reignite the passion for medicine among physicians and APPs.
The Proposal:
To address the challenges faced by its healthcare professionals and combat the prevalent issue of burnout, Rush invested in cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology developed by Suki. This AI-powered solution leverages ambient listening and generative AI capabilities to streamline the documentation process and alleviate the administrative burden on providers.
Briana Rygg, Chief Applications Officer at Rush, emphasized the significance of this technology in improving provider wellness, work-life balance, documentation accuracy, and personalized patient care. By automating the drafting of clinical notes through ambient AI, clinicians can focus more on patient interactions and less on computer screens, enhancing the overall care experience.
Meeting the Challenge:
Integrating seamlessly with Rush’s Epic EHR system was crucial for the successful implementation of the ambient AI technology. Rygg highlighted the importance of a user-friendly solution that caters to diverse patient populations, including non-English speakers, to promote effective communication and engagement in care delivery.
Results:
Following a pilot program in the summer of 2024, Rush reported remarkable outcomes from the Suki system implementation:
– 74% of clinicians experienced reduced burnout levels.
– 95% of clinicians expressed a desire to continue using the technology.
– Providers utilized the system in 25 non-English languages, with a significant number engaging in Spanish visits.
The positive feedback and tangible benefits observed during the pilot phase have encouraged Rush to expand the rollout across its medical group, leading to improved documentation accuracy, reduced cognitive load, and enhanced provider well-being.
Advice for Others:
Rygg shared valuable insights for healthcare organizations considering AI technology adoption, emphasizing the importance of defining clear objectives, engaging operational stakeholders, and aligning the technology with clinical workflows. She stressed the need for comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure successful integration and user acceptance.
In conclusion, Rush’s proactive approach to leveraging AI technology has not only alleviated administrative burdens on its healthcare team but also revitalized the joy of practicing medicine. By prioritizing provider wellness and patient-centered care, Rush Medical Group sets a benchmark for healthcare organizations striving to enhance care delivery and combat physician burnout.
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