The Peterson Health Technology Institute recently launched a task force dedicated to studying the business impact of artificial intelligence on health systems. Implementing AI tools in the healthcare sector can be a complex challenge, as providers need to navigate safety, accuracy, and equity concerns that come with this emerging technology. However, beyond ensuring the safety of AI products, health systems also need to determine how to measure the success of these implementations.
The institute, known for evaluating various digital health tools in the past, has brought together health system leaders to delve into the financial, efficiency, and workforce effects of AI products. Caroline Pearson, the executive director of PHTI, shared insights on the task force’s objectives and initial focus areas in a recent interview with Healthcare Dive.
The task force initially zoomed in on AI tools for documentation, such as AI scribes, and revenue cycle management. These areas were chosen due to their rapid adoption within health systems and their significant impact on operational efficiency and patient care. By engaging with healthcare executives, the task force aims to understand how these AI solutions are being implemented and how they are being measured in terms of financial, efficiency, and workforce outcomes.
Health system leaders face the dual challenge of quickly adopting new technologies while grappling with how to assess their business implications. The task force provides a platform for sharing best practices, learning from each other’s experiences, and identifying key metrics for measuring the impact of AI tools in the long run.
The focus on documentation and revenue cycle products stems from their critical roles in the day-to-day operations of health systems. These tools have the potential to enhance productivity, patient throughput, and overall care quality. By evaluating the tangible benefits of these AI solutions, health systems can make informed decisions about their adoption and usage.
As health systems continue to prioritize cost containment, the sustainability and value of AI tools will come under scrutiny. While AI documentation tools may become ingrained in clinical workflows, the evolving market dynamics could lead to changes in pricing and product offerings. Health systems may explore new AI solutions that offer additional benefits beyond documentation and revenue cycle management, prompting a reevaluation of their investments in AI technology.
Overall, the integration of AI solutions in healthcare settings presents both challenges and opportunities for health systems. By carefully assessing the business impact of AI tools and leveraging data-driven insights, health systems can optimize their operations, improve patient care, and drive sustainable growth in the long term.
