Tuesday, October 08 | Post-Acute Care, Human Services

Meaningful Automation Strategies for Empowering Clinical Staff

By Chris Yakscoe, Senior Director & General Manager, Bells

Empowering healthcare staff, improving efficiency and addressing longstanding challenges are crucial for organizational morale culture. With competition for staff increasing, healthcare organizations recognize the importance of deploying innovative tools to support staff performance and client care. These investments are also becoming key factors in staff retention.

One area of focus is AI, that is to say, augmented intelligence. At Netsmart, we see AI as a coach rather than a crutch. With the right technology, organizations aim to use AI to augment staff capabilities, allowing clinicians to focus on tasks that require their expertise and strategic thinking. This approach makes processes more efficient and reduces the time it takes to complete routine tasks.

While there was some initial market apprehension to adopting AI, the majority of clinicians are recognizing its value. This growing curiosity indicates a readiness to embrace advanced technologies to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Where to Start + What Exists Today

First things first: identify your challenges and leverage points across different aspects of your business. Staff empowerment occurs in three key areas: augmenting clinical documentation, enabling staff to focus on the work they love with user-friendly technology, and improving data visibility and measurement.

1. Augment Clinical Documentation: Ensure your staff views new technology as a coach, not a crutch. Successful implementation hinges on user-friendliness and staff buy-in, making change management crucial.

2. Support Staff with User-Friendly Technology: Deliver solutions that meet the expectations of new staff and are intuitive for all users. This includes tools that work seamlessly across various devices, connectivity and environments, whether in the office or out in the community.

3. Improve Data Visibility and Measurement: Strong, flexible data capture capabilities are key to clinical documentation. They help providers measure outcomes effectively and avoid “garbage in, garbage out" scenarios. More importantly, a solid technology infrastructure— particularly a robust EHR platform—must serve as the foundation for integrating AI across the organization.

Critically evaluate potential tools. Ask vendors how their solutions integrate with your workflows and technology infrastructure. Ensure they have relevant experience in your field and are committed to product development and not just sales and marketing.

Consider how data is captured—keyboard typing versus voice-to-text—and the overall user experience. Your technology should support diverse levels of tech expertise and provide an intuitive user interface.

Lastly, replace inefficient workflows like paper, spreadsheets and faxes with integrated EHR, AI and RPA solutions. These tools should offer an intuitive user experience to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

What automation means for staff retention and recruitment

Integrating AI and automation makes your organization more appealing to potential new hires by showcasing a modern, innovative work environment. It highlights a commitment to cutting-edge tools that streamline documentation workflows and daily activities, presenting your organization as forward-thinking and supportive.

Adopting these technologies demonstrates care for your staff’s struggles and a commitment to improving their work experience. This supportive environment not only attracts new professionals, whether fresh out of school or seasoned in the field, but also boosts your employer brand.

Retention and recruitment are closely linked. Improving clinicians' work-life balance and reducing burnout through automation increases job satisfaction and helps retain staff. When onboarding and training are simplified by advanced tools, new hires quickly adapt, streamlining their workflow and reducing burnout. Happy employees are more likely to refer your organization to peers and training colleges.

Operational improvements also result from better clinician documentation and streamlined workflows. Increased efficiency and effectiveness reduce costs, allocates resources more effectively, and enhances compliance, improving audit outcomes and reimbursement processes.

In today’s competitive market, salary alone may not be enough to attract top talent; demonstrating how your technology differentiates your organization can be a crucial factor. For instance, if a competitor’s staff works late to complete documentation while your team leaves on time thanks to efficient systems, this advantage can be a big factor for recruits.

What’s next? Stay ahead of the curve

Once foundational AI is in place, plan for more advanced capabilities like risk predictions, client/patient summarization, social determinants of health analysis, no-show prediction and natural language querying.

Managing AI tools effectively requires strong governance, compliance workflows and standard operating procedures. A reliable partner can help establish these frameworks and ensure security, usability and bias management. As you evaluate potential healthcare technology, consider their expertise in navigating these challenges.

Staying ahead of the curve means addressing these issues proactively. Partner with experts who are aware of the evolving landscape to help you prepare for future advancements and challenges. Implementing these strategies sooner rather than later will give you a competitive edge and help with a smooth integration of advanced AI capabilities.

Making AI Meaningful for Healthcare

AI is more than just the latest technology innovation—it's a growth strategy. In the face of workforce competition and ongoing challenges, AI expands staff capabilities and enhances patient care. Consider the impact of AI tools: Can they improve patient engagement, predict no-shows or offer alternatives for those likely to miss in-office appointments?

AI's potential to transform staff operations is equally significant. Identify tools that provide the most differentiation without requiring investment in every available option. Focus on those that align with your strategic plan and mission, driving growth, stability and agility.

Innovation, particularly through AI, should be at the heart of your strategic initiatives. Viewing technology as a team member is essential for staying competitive. By leveraging AI, you not only enhance patient and client care but also empower your staff, making them more efficient and effective.

Embrace AI to expand your capabilities and address pressing needs. Integrating AI meaningfully into your operations supports your mission and positions your organization for sustainable growth and improved outcomes. This approach helps you remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation, ready to tackle future challenges with advanced tools and strategies.

Meet the Author

Chris Yakscoe · Senior Director & General Manager, Bells

Meaningful Automation Strategies for Empowering Clinical Staff

By Chris Yakscoe, Senior Director & General Manager, Bells

Meet the Author

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