While AI’s potential in healthcare is often hyped, there are existing AI tools that can offer immediate return on investment (ROI) for healthcare providers. The article highlights five ways in which Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI are currently benefiting health systems, clinicians, and patients:
- Strengthening Referral Processes: NLP and AI, combined with digital fax technology, can transform unstructured documents into structured data that EHR systems can process, streamlining the referral process.
- Reducing Workforce Burden: NLP and AI can convert handwritten or text data into structured formats, reducing the time nurses spend on administrative tasks and improving their workflow.
- Matching Data for Clinical Trials: Institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are using NLP AI to sift through vast amounts of unstructured data to find patients who fit the criteria for clinical trials.
- Enhancing Collaboration Among Medical Teams: Hospitals like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are using NLP AI to structure diverse data types, aiding in research and clinical decision-making.
- Speeding Information Transfer During Care Transitions: NLP AI solutions can quickly process and structure patient data, ensuring smoother transitions between care settings.
The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on AI tools that offer immediate value, especially those that alleviate clinician workload and ensure timely access to critical information.