AI is often compared to the “new electricity,” with the potential to transform industries and have a greater economic impact than blockchain, robotics, genomics, and energy storage combined. Despite its promise, home health and hospice companies are lagging behind in AI adoption, with less than 3% embracing this technology compared to 86% in other industries.
However, AI is more than just a buzzword; it holds the key to success, similar to the “Moneyball” approach in healthcare. Drawing inspiration from a webinar hosted by the National Association of Home Care & Hospice, this article explores AI’s potential in-home care and hospice. By tapping into insights from home care experts, we aim to showcase how AI can revolutionize patient care, streamline operations, and improve outcomes in this essential sector.
### What AI and Automation can do for home care and hospice:
1. AI tools have transformed cardiology by detecting heart failure and irregular heart rhythms, potentially years before traditional methods. Algorithms also play a crucial role in identifying sepsis early, leading to faster treatment and reduced mortality rates.
2. GPT-4 technology in home healthcare settings enhances documentation accuracy and care quality.
3. AI can correctly diagnose challenging cases 39% of the time and have the right diagnosis in their list of possible diagnoses 64% of the time.
4. Collaboration among home healthcare providers to utilize AI in answering patient questions has led to a 72% increase in hospice admissions in the last three days of life.
### AI and Automation: Revolutionizing Homecare Efficiency and Quality
In the ever-evolving homecare landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is set to revolutionize homecare agencies, bringing unprecedented levels of efficiency and quality of care. Let’s explore some compelling potential home care use cases that not only save time and money but also enhance overall operational effectiveness:
1. **Physician Documentation:** An AI tool that translates verbal data input into a Certificate of Terminal Illness (CTI), enhancing physician satisfaction and increasing visit productivity.
2. **Chart Review:** AI-driven chart reviews streamline workflows, ensuring consistency between clinicians and minimizing the need for in-person reviews.
3. **Assessments:** Deep-learning AI improves care planning accuracy and efficiency, resulting in shorter assessment times and more accurate diagnoses.
4. **Claims Management:** AI optimizes the claims management process by analyzing historical data, reducing errors, and improving reimbursement.
5. **Patient Progress Monitoring:** AI-driven monitoring identifies trends in patient data, enabling timely interventions for improved outcomes.
### How to Start with AI and Automation in Home Care:
Prepare your organization for the future of home care by taking proactive steps towards AI adoption:
1. **Engage with EMR Providers:** Initiate conversations with EMR providers to integrate AI capabilities into your systems.
2. **Transition to SaaS EMR Solutions:** Consider transitioning to Software as a Service solutions for better AI integration.
3. **Evaluate Contracts, Positions, and Equipment:** Assess current contracts, staffing, and equipment to accommodate AI adoption effectively.
### Impact of AI and Automation in the Future:
In the future, AI and automation will revolutionize home care and hospice services, streamlining documentation, analyzing EMR data for personalized care plans, and enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes.
