University Health has made a big move by introducing its first policy on artificial intelligence (AI). This new framework aims to guide the use of AI across its hospitals and clinics.
AI is already woven into the daily operations at University Health’s main hospital in the South Texas Medical Center. It helps radiologists spot breast cancer, transcribes doctor-patient conversations, and even powers cleaning robots to keep the hospital tidy. This trend isn’t just local; many large U.S. hospital systems are adopting similar technologies.
“Some organizations are far ahead in the AI game. We’re making strong progress,” said Bill Phillips, the chief operating officer. University Health began focusing on AI about three years ago, setting goals for how to use it effectively.
As part of its $1.7 billion expansion, University Health is opening three new hospitals and two clinics in San Antonio to keep up with patient demand, which has surged over the past decade.
Across the U.S., hospitals are leveraging AI in many ways—helping doctors make diagnoses, predicting patient outcomes, and streamlining administrative tasks like scheduling appointments. In fact, a recent report found that 80% of healthcare organizations plan to invest in AI by 2025, as they recognize its potential to reduce costs and improve patient care.
Medical vendors are eager to provide AI-powered tools, but Phillips highlights the need for careful evaluation. “We must discern which technologies genuinely enhance care,” he noted.
The new policy has three key goals:
- Reduce hospital visits through better monitoring and management of chronic diseases.
- Simplify workflows to lessen administrative burdens.
- Assist healthcare workers in making informed clinical decisions.
Importantly, the policy states that AI is meant to support, not replace, healthcare providers’ judgments.
Recently, Texas passed Senate Bill 1188. This law mandates that healthcare providers review any AI-generated records and inform patients about the use of AI in their care. This change is meant to ensure that human oversight remains central to patient treatment.
Despite the promise of AI, challenges exist. Privacy concerns about patient data and biases from AI’s training data are significant issues that need attention. Experts warn that without proper management, these factors could undermine the benefits of AI.
Overall, the outlook is optimistic. Experts agree that adapting to AI is key to improving healthcare outcomes. “In this day and age, adapting is essential for better patient care,” Phillips stated.
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