Demystifying AI in Geriatric Healthcare Part 2: Implementation

In part 1 of our series, Demystifying AI in Geriatric Healthcare, we discussed why augmented intelligence (AI) is becoming more important for post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) providers. This time, we focused on essential tips for actually implementing AI in your organization.

With challenges ahead for PALTC, it's clear that providers will need help from AI. An aging U.S. population, an impending nursing staff shortage and other factors are building obstacles to effective care. Fortunately, AI and automation solutions can position PALTC providers for success despite these potential roadblocks.

But before AI can make an impact, it needs a comprehensive implementation strategy.

Finding Opportunities for AI Implementation in PALTC

The first step toward effective AI implementation is recognizing inefficient workflows. Slow, outdated systems can bog down clinical work and delay quality care delivery. AI and automation can provide ways to streamline or replace these workflows and improve care delivery. Here are a few common workflows that PALTC organizations frequently identify as areas for AI intervention:

• Paper
• Documentation 
• Spreadsheets 
• Phones 
• Email 
• Fax 

We don't have to dive deep to find ways for AI to help. Simple tasks like these are the low-hanging fruit for AI implementation—yet they're just the tip of the iceberg. More complex areas of opportunity range from staff turnover to regulatory visits and patient outreach automation. Each organization has unique needs, and it's essential to evaluate them while formulating an AI implementation strategy.

Building AI Buy-In Among PALTC Staff and Providers

Implementing AI effectively depends as much on aligning with end users as it does on technical support from IT professionals.  By collaborating closely with the clinicians who will be using the AI tools in their daily workflows, you help ensure they are fully prepared for success.

AI, like any other new technology, has its fair share of myths and misconceptions. By cultivating a collaborative learning environment, we can help clinicians steer clear of these pitfalls and use AI with confidence. Investing in the end-user helps them embrace flexibility, build a growth mindset and trust the technology. In turn, that confidence can lead to better overall care delivery for their patients.

Building a Data Foundation

AI in PALTC delivers its greatest impact when powered by strong, accessible data. Preparing your organization's data now ensures a smooth implementation and unlocks the full potential of AI to improve care quality and efficiency.

For example, your AI solution may have a function that helps patients schedule appointments. It's all for nothing if the patient receives an invitation to plan a visit, but the AI system doesn't have quick access to calendar data.

Preparing your data ahead of time helps ensure a smooth transition to new, more efficient workflows.

Benefits of AI Implementation

With proper preparation, the AI implementation process can lead to compelling operational advantages in the PALTC space. We call it the AI trifecta:

• Empower Staff
• Optimize Processes
• Simplify Reimbursement

It all comes together to create a more efficient environment for clinicians and more meaningful care for patients.

Looking Forward

AI implementation in PALTC is an ongoing effort where organizations will continuously adapt and evolve with the technology itself. No two providers are the same, after all, and each will have unique automation needs. You can continue to learn more about AI developments in future Netsmart webinars, including Implementing AI: Strategies for Seamless Adoption and Success, to dive deeper into the conversation and explore real-world examples of AI in action across geriatric and post-acute care settings.

Meanwhile, providers can prepare for current implementation by exploring opportunities for workflow improvements, building buy-in among clinicians and preparing data for AI usage. As ever, our AI experts here at Netsmart are ready to lend a hand when you need it.