Rob Allen, a leader at Intermountain Health, is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve patient care in his health system, which includes 34 hospitals and 400 clinics. They have introduced AI technologies that assist in creating patient notes quickly and efficiently.
During a recent interview at the J.P. Morgan Conference, Allen shared his excitement about a specific AI tool he hasn’t yet implemented: an AI nurse capable of engaging in conversations with patients. This technology aims to build a connection with patients through meaningful dialogue.
He recalled listening to a fascinating instance where the AI followed up with a patient after their hospital stay. The AI asked about their health but ended up chatting with them for 45 minutes. In typical scenarios, nurses simply don’t have that luxury because of heavy workloads. With a nurse shortage, many healthcare professionals must divide their time among numerous patients.
Allen noted how the AI maintained the conversation, asking thoughtful questions and even remembering to check in on specific issues toward the end. This shows how AI can provide empathetic support at a scale that human nurses often can’t achieve.
Recent research suggests that AI chatbots may actually demonstrate more empathy than human doctors in certain interactions. This potential is especially important as healthcare workers juggle increasing demands. Allen mentioned, “These tools can free up clinicians to do their jobs better, enjoy their work, and build relationships with patients, even when they are short on time.”
However, it’s essential to ensure these AI systems provide accurate information to avoid misinformation. Allen confirmed that the AI nurse he refers to is developed by Hippocratic AI, a company backed by General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz.
As Intermountain Health continues to explore AI, they already have some tools in place and are piloting others. The future of AI in healthcare holds exciting prospects for enhancing patient engagement and support.
