102 AI can help resolve the issue it has created by automating time-consuming manual tasks and processes that prevent medical professionals from focusing on higher-value work.” For instance, AI can vastly improve risk stratification. “Using AI to analyse scans and data allows us to triage patients and quickly direct them to the optimal care pathway,” says Rhew. “Directing people to the right specialist reduces wait times and maximises the chances of the best outcome. It also allows healthcare providers to optimise resources so they can better serve a greater number of patients.” AI can also help providers practice at the top of their licence and expand their set of responsibilities. For instance, randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that pharmacist-managed hypertension clinics are highly effective in managing blood pressure for hypertensive patients. This approach of risk stratification, triage and capacity building is particularly beneficial for rural, remote or low-income communities who struggle to access adequate healthcare. “AI is democratising healthcare access in a way that was previously impossible,” says Rhew. “Also, some individuals do not have transportation means or sufficient money for medications. AI can help identify those who are eligible for ride-share or financial aid programmes. Addressing social determinants of health can have a major impact on one’s health.” Microsoft and partners have introduced a new initiative to expand access to AI in rural hospitals across the US. “We’re assisting rural hospitals, clinics, and health centres to implement AI and other technologies to address their biggest challenges,” says Rhew. “They typically have small budgets and limited resources, so we’re helping them build technology infrastructure, leverage cloud and cyber protection programmes and apply AI-based tools for various use cases. This will support everything from ambient clinical documentation, revenue cycle management and remote patient monitoring to triage and risk stratification and streamlined referral management. These providers will work together as an interoperable network, jointly covering the communities’ needs.” While many medical professionals recognise the benefits of using AI, others remain reticent to do so. “Most fears stem from uncertainty around how AI will be used, the impact it will have on the clinician and patient experience, its potential to replace humans and whether it will be applied ethically and securely,” says Rhew. “It’s crucial to address all these issues to alleviate concerns and encourage widespread adoption. We must measure the clinical, financial and/or operational impacts AI applications have on the healthcare delivery process to demonstrate a positive return on investment (ROI). Concurrently, we need to recognise the major impact implementation plays in evaluating ROI. Well-validated AI with poor implementation can lead to negative results. Lastly, we need to train the workforce to use AI effectively, so it can boost efficiency, productivity and job satisfaction. We also need to develop career programmes where AI creates new jobs instead of taking away old ones.” To alleviate concerns around data privacy and ethics, organisations should invest in strong cybersecurity solutions and develop responsible AI principles to ensure it works as expected. Developing ethical AI principles is the core goal of the Trustworthy & Responsible AI Network (TRAIN). “TRAIN is a consortium of healthcare organisations in both Europe and the US, which aims to make high-quality, safe and trustworthy AI tools equally accessible to every healthcare organisation,” says Rhew. “Members work with one another and technology companies such as Microsoft to establish best practices for operationalising responsible AI, and share the cost, time and resources involved with testing and monitoring AI models.” As the technology matures, Rhew anticipates the industry will move from using AI assistants to creating human-led, AI agent-operated teams. Microsoft and its extensive ecosystem of partners will continue to develop the technology and healthcare-specific solutions necessary to make this a reality. FEATURE “ By using AI, we can evolve how providers operate to significantly improve the quality of care we deliver”
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