Key Insights:
- The introduction of the MyEleanor AI patient navigator at Montefiore significantly enhanced the engagement of patients in colonoscopy screenings. This AI tool helped double the completion rates from 10% to 19% by effectively re-engaging patients who had previously missed appointments.
- The AI navigator was particularly effective in communities of color and low-income groups, who are traditionally underserved in healthcare. These communities face higher risks and disparities in colorectal cancer, making the success of such AI interventions crucial.
- Through interactions with the AI navigator, patients disclosed various barriers to completing their screenings, such as transportation issues, time constraints, and medical mistrust. Addressing these barriers could further improve screening adherence and overall health outcomes.
- The success of the MyEleanor AI navigator opens possibilities for its application in other cancer screening programs and could significantly reduce the burden on healthcare professionals while improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
This initiative showcases the potential of AI to bridge gaps in healthcare access and efficiency, especially in populations at higher risk for diseases such as colorectal cancer. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of such technologies will be key to realizing their full potential in various healthcare settings.