Keck Medicine of USC Embraces a Blended Approach to AI Implementation
When it comes to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) strategies into healthcare settings, the age-old dilemma of whether to build or buy solutions often arises. Keck Medicine of USC, located in Los Angeles, California, has opted for a unique third path by combining elements of both approaches to create a customized and effective AI integration strategy.
Yesha Patel, the associate director of data science and AI at Keck Medicine of USC, holds a PhD in data science and is set to share insights at the upcoming HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum in Brooklyn. Her session, titled “Case Study: A Blended Approach to AI Acquisition and Implementation,” will shed light on how the institution has successfully merged in-house development with select vendor systems to seamlessly integrate AI into its existing health IT infrastructure.
Finding the Optimal Balance
According to Patel, the key to Keck Medicine of USC’s success lies in striking a balance between innovation, speed to market, and long-term sustainability. By combining internal development with external systems, the organization has been able to tailor AI applications to its unique workflows while leveraging established technologies that streamline development processes and reduce costs.
The blended approach acknowledges the fact that healthcare AI is not one-size-fits-all. Different use cases require different solutions, with some benefiting from out-of-the-box commercial systems, while others necessitate customized in-house development. By carefully evaluating each use case and considering factors such as internal expertise, customization needs, ongoing costs, and long-term maintenance, Keck Medicine of USC ensures that its AI strategy remains effective and future-proof.
How Blended Can Be the Better Approach
Patel argues that a blended approach is superior to a build-only or buy-only model because it offers flexibility, scalability, and alignment with the unique clinical and operational needs of a healthcare organization. Building AI systems from scratch can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, while relying solely on external systems may lead to limited customization and integration challenges.
By selectively combining vendor solutions with internally developed components, institutions can extend their capabilities without compromising control over core models and data pipelines. This hybridization approach enables faster development, higher specificity, better quality, and improved compliance, ultimately driving more successful AI integration.
Reducing Development Time
For instance, Keck Medicine of USC might purchase a natural language processing tool from a third-party vendor to extract insights from radiology notes, while simultaneously building its clinical rules engine or prioritization layer to ensure seamless integration with internal protocols and workflows. This hybrid model significantly reduces development time without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Long-Term Technical Debt
One of the challenges Patel and her team encountered when considering a buy-only AI approach was the accumulation of technical debt from deploying disparate standalone systems. Managing and maintaining multiple AI tools from different vendors created a patchwork of systems that did not communicate effectively with each other or with existing EHR and clinical workflows. This technical debt not only increased complexity but also hindered system interoperability and scalability in the long run.
By adopting a blended approach, Keck Medicine of USC aims to mitigate technical debt by carefully evaluating when to buy versus build and ensuring that any external systems seamlessly integrate into a unified, scalable architecture. This strategic decision-making process is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and efficient AI ecosystem that aligns with the organization’s broader goals and workflows.
In conclusion, Keck Medicine of USC’s blended approach to AI implementation serves as a blueprint for healthcare organizations looking to leverage the benefits of both internal development and external vendor solutions. By striking a balance between innovation and sustainability, institutions can effectively harness the power of AI to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and drive future growth in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. It not only helps to maintain physical fitness, but it also has numerous benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Whether you prefer to hit the gym, go for a run, or participate in a group fitness class, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have a positive impact on your overall health.
One of the most significant benefits of regular exercise is improved cardiovascular health. When you engage in physical activity, your heart rate increases, which helps to strengthen your heart muscle. This, in turn, can lower your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Regular exercise can also help to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, which can prevent serious health issues down the line.
In addition to its physical benefits, exercise is also crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. By burning calories through physical activity, you can help to prevent weight gain and even lose weight over time. Regular exercise can also boost your metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight even when you’re not actively working out. Combined with a balanced diet, exercise can be a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise is also essential for building and maintaining muscle strength and flexibility. As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases, which can lead to weakness and decreased mobility. By engaging in regular strength training exercises, you can help to preserve and even increase muscle mass, improving your overall strength and flexibility. This can help to prevent falls and injuries as you age, allowing you to maintain independence and quality of life.
Furthermore, regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, which can help to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Exercise can also help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost self-esteem. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can improve your mental well-being and overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise are numerous and far-reaching. From improved cardiovascular health and weight management to increased muscle strength and mental well-being, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have a profound impact on your health and quality of life. So lace up those sneakers, hit the gym, and start reaping the many benefits of regular exercise today.
