As we step into the promising terrain of 2024 and beyond, the healthcare industry stands at the cusp of a transformative era, propelled by advanced technology solutions. For healthcare IT professionals, there will be many challenges and opportunities – especially as there is more patient data than ever before.
However, there are new solutions that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help address the trove of patient data that is being created. Let’s look at how it can help address some of the issues being faced in the industry.
Data Growth: A Steady Surge
With each passing year, the healthcare industry finds itself in the throes of a data deluge. The proliferation of EHRs, wearable devices, and telehealth services has contributed to an exponential rise in patient data. According to a recent report, approximately 30% of the world’s data volume is being generated by the healthcare industry. By 2025, the compound annual growth rate of data for healthcare will reach 36%. That’s 6% faster than manufacturing, 10% faster than financial services, and 11% faster than media and entertainment.
As healthcare IT leaders, it is our responsibility to not only grapple with the sheer volume of data but also to ensure its safety and accessibility. The challenge is not just about managing data but about doing so in a manner that guarantees privacy, compliance, and the seamless exchange of information across the healthcare ecosystem.
The Guardian of Healthcare Data
The synergy between AI and healthcare data management is more pronounced than ever. AI’s ability to process and analyze vast datasets at unprecedented speeds positions it as a guardian of patient information.
For example, machine learning (ML) algorithms can be trained to identify patterns and anomalies in healthcare data, which can be particularly useful in detecting potential fraud or compliance violations. By analyzing historical data and learning from patterns, AI and ML can help healthcare organizations identify suspicious activities for further investigation.
By leveraging machine learning algorithms, we can create intelligent systems that not only store data securely but also adapt and evolve to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers.
Accurate and Secure Record-Keeping
Accurate and secure record-keeping lies at the heart of effective patient care. AI is ushering in a new era of precision, mitigating the risks associated with manual data entry and human error. Machine learning algorithms will assist the integrity of patient records, flagging anomalies and discrepancies in real-time.
AI can empower healthcare providers with context-aware insights, offering a holistic view of patient history and treatment plans. This not only enhances the quality of care but also fosters a collaborative and informed approach among healthcare professionals.
Improved Efficiency and Speed
AI can improve data conversion by automating tasks such as data mapping and transformation. With speed and efficiency, we will see AI used more during data migration — identifying any inconsistencies, errors, or missing values and suggesting corrective actions in real time. Additionally, AI will help with efficient automated updates — reducing manual intervention and ensuring accurate mapping in the target system.
AI and ML are already being employed to automate the process of migrating structured data, such as medication information, from one EHR to another to inform clinical decision-making and improve data conversion. Overall, AI streamlines the migration process, reducing manual effort and potential errors.
The Road Ahead
As we look ahead, the continued integration of AI into healthcare data management is not just a technological imperative but a collaborative effort. Vendors, healthcare providers, and IT professionals must work in unison to navigate the complexities of this evolving landscape. Those that embrace AI, responsibly, will come out ahead.
The healthcare IT community must foster an environment of openness, interoperability, and ethical use of AI. By cultivating a collaborative ecosystem, we can harness the true potential of AI to revolutionize data management, enhance patient care, and shape the future.
About Tom Liddell
Tom Liddell is a Managing Partner for Harmony Healthcare IT, serving as Chief Executive Officer. He has over 35 years of experience in healthcare information technology, and was President and Co-Founder of SMI, a healthcare technology firm located in Indiana.