The Must-Have Elements of an Effective AI Healthcare Analytics Solution

As we continue our discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare analytics, many of you may be starting to feel more confident in your understanding of how the technology can really enhance the overall treatment experience. And as the understanding and confidence grow, you may be starting to make some preliminary moves towards researching, sourcing, and possibly even implementing AI in your own practice—which is exciting!

With that in mind, I’d like to take today to share some of the most important things you should be considering when deciding on an AI healthcare solution.

And for those of you that are maybe just joining us and aren’t quite at the action step yet, I’d encourage you to check out our past blogs in this series where we dive deep into everything you need to know about AI and machine learning in healthcare.

Let’s take a look at the must-have elements of an effective AI solution for healthcare providers.

Flashy or Problem Solver?

The number one question that should be asked when deciding on an AI healthcare analytics solution is whether or not it solves a problem that you have. Often, we see a lot of flashy tech loaded with bells and whistles getting peddled as the next best thing. The problem? Most people don’t need the bells and whistles or even the core functionality of the solution.

The good news is this is an easy pitfall to avoid. Before you go solution-shopping, clearly lay out the problems you’re looking to solve. Gain as intimate of an understanding of the problem as possible. From there, look at every potential healthcare analytics solution through that lens. If it doesn’t solve that problem, it’s not the right solution.

The Overall Efficiency it Brings

Just because an AI healthcare solution solves the problem doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right solution. If it solves one problem by creating five more, it’s a miss. And it’s important that providers avoid getting tunnel vision when looking for the impact of a solution. Look for direct effects, but also look for indirect effects on other areas of the operations.

One of the most important areas to look for this is documentation. Is the solution eliminating tasks in the workflow or adding to its complexity? Are there new requirements for data inputs? Does the solution overload providers with unnecessary data? Data can be helpful, but it can also be distracting if it’s not handled properly.

The Integration Factor

On the same token of efficiency comes the question of integration vs. interface. An interface AI healthcare solution is nothing more than a simple connection between two existing systems. While this sounds nice, these sort of surface-level solutions tend to create more work, drive double-documentation, and foster inefficient workflows. An integration, though, is quite different. It’s a solution deeply rooted in existing systems that helps rather than hinders the workflow. It’s a much more technically complex solution under the hood, but one that still seamlessly integrates with existing systems.

When selecting an AI healthcare solution, ensure it contains the necessary technical complexities to truly deliver effective results without overcomplicating existing workflows.

The Right References

The last thing to consider when selecting a healthcare analytics solution are references. If at all possible, find trusted partners who have already implemented the solution. If no one comes to mind after a scroll through the Rolodex, ask the analytics company for references. Ideally, you’ll be able to speak to people who have the same EHR and the same type of practice to give you a clear idea of what it’s really like after going live.

The Bigger Picture

The implementation of healthcare analytics solutions can appear scary, especially in the high-stakes environment of hospitals and healthcare facilities. But with the right solution, the fear subsides and the potential benefits can be massive. With the ability to do things like optimize workflows, drive efficiency, strengthen the bottom line, and deliver better patient care—it’s worth the time to understand the options.

To learn more about my company’s solution, we offer a comprehensive ebook that digs deeper into how healthcare analytics is transforming healthcare and how Net Health’s analytics solutions are contributing to the challenges. Or feel free to check Net Health® Analytics.