TL;DR:
- UNC Health is collaborating with Epic to integrate generative AI tools in healthcare.
- They are among the early adopters nationwide of implementing these AI tools.
- Epic and Microsoft have partnered to develop and integrate Large Language Models into Epic’s software.
- The initial rollout will involve five to ten physicians at UNC Health, along with other early adopters from renowned institutions.
- The program will use generative AI to auto-draft responses to common patient messages, saving time and streamlining workflows.
- Physicians will review and edit the AI-generated responses before sending them.
- UNC Health aims to thoughtfully and safely leverage AI to enhance the healthcare experience for its team and patients.
- Their participation in the phased rollouts demonstrates their commitment to exploring AI opportunities.
- This collaboration represents a significant milestone in driving the future of AI in healthcare.
Main AI News:
UNC Health has taken a pioneering step by joining Epic’s program as an early adopter of Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, solidifying its position as a national leader in driving the future of AI in healthcare. This collaboration will make UNC Health one of the first healthcare systems in the country to implement this innovative technology.
In April, Epic and Microsoft announced their partnership to develop and integrate Large Language Models into Epic’s software, setting the stage for a new era of AI-driven healthcare solutions. UNC Health’s extensive work in building robust IT systems and previous use of AI tools has positioned the organization as a trailblazer in this space.
Brent Lamm, UNC Health’s Sr. VP and Chief Information Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the integration, stating, “Our goal is to leverage AI thoughtfully and safely to enhance our team’s experience and enable them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care.”
The initial rollout of the program will involve five to 10 physicians at UNC Health, joining forces with other early adopters from renowned institutions such as UC San Diego Health, the University of Wisconsin Health, and Stanford Health Care. This collaborative effort aims to refine the application of AI in healthcare and drive further advancements.
The implementation will commence with a subset of “more administrative” type messages, resembling the suggested responses feature in messaging applications. Physicians will have the option to accept AI-generated suggestions or customize their own responses. It is important to note that this technology is not meant to replace clinical judgment; human professionals will always review and send messages. Its purpose is to streamline workflows and save valuable time.
The generative AI tools integrated into Epic@UNC will automate the drafting of responses to commonly encountered and time-intensive patient messages. For instance, AI can generate a suggested response to a patient’s My UNC Chart message, which the physician can then review, edit, and send.
Brent Lamm highlighted the organization’s commitment to careful implementation and exploration of this new technology. UNC Health is excited to participate as an initial adopter in the phased rollouts and looks forward to the insights and use cases that its team of pioneering physicians will develop.
Conlcusion:
The collaboration between UNC Health and Epic to integrate generative AI tools in healthcare signifies a significant advancement for the market. By embracing cutting-edge AI technology, healthcare systems can streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall patient experience. This partnership sets a precedent for other institutions to explore the potential of AI in healthcare, paving the way for transformative solutions and driving the future of the market.
Organizations that embrace AI-driven innovations will gain a competitive edge by delivering higher quality care, optimizing resources, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. The integration of AI tools in healthcare marks a crucial milestone in the evolution of the market, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology to achieve better outcomes and shape the future of healthcare delivery.
