As more healthcare organizations incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into facility operations, leaders are navigating how to best prepare their teams to successfully use these new tools. Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant rise in organizations across industries implementing generative AI (genAI). However, we are still at the precipice of finding opportunities to apply them.
By rapidly analyzing information and providing recommendations, these solutions offer new ways for facility teams to gather evidence-based insights and increase efficiencies. At the same time, teams face new obstacles as they adjust to this technology and determine how it can play a role in enhancing certain areas of operations.
Establishing protective policies
Improper planning before integrating new technology can also detract from effectiveness and raise privacy, security and legal concerns. The first step to take before implementing this new technology is establishing policies to safeguard confidential information.
An effective AI-usage policy helps associates understand best practices and avoid potential risks. This can help protect internal information by preventing team members from entering it into public genAI tools. Relying exclusively on private and secure AI solutions allows organizations to gain the advantages of the technology while avoiding liabilities.
Training associates
In conjunction with establishing policies, healthcare leaders need to ensure their teams are prepared to use these tools properly. AI is most powerful in the hands of skilled associates who understand how to use it effectively in a way that supports and enhances their work.
During the implementation process, facility teams need to build familiarity with the tools. For workers who have been doing their job a certain way for years or decades, it may take time to adjust to new approaches. Underscoring the potential value the team can gain from AI solutions is an important part of supporting a smooth transition.
While AI capabilities may present vast opportunities to free up time by automating analysis and administrative tasks, they cannot replace personal expertise and judgment. Associates will need to interpret and validate AI-generated insights through a human lens in the context of their experience and knowledge before taking action or applying the information in decision-making.
Evaluating solutions to fit your organization’s needs
Leaders need to identify the value each AI tool could offer their teams and facilities as some trending solutions may not be the best fit for every healthcare organization. By closely aligning new adoptions with strategic planning, leaders can identify which tools are likely to lead to long-term efficiency and success.
AI capabilities have the potential to streamline operations and facilities management by supporting functions such as equipment maintenance and resource allocation optimization. By analyzing information to provide a diagnosis or predictive insight, the solutions can play a role in decision-making processes to make informed choices. This can lead to an increase in value by driving data-based tactics, extending machinery lifespan and more.
AI can also support day-to-day facility work in small but effective methods. One option to consider is using it to enhance the usability of lengthy safety manuals. Instead of having an associate read through hundreds of pages to find relevant guidance, AI tools can sort through the information in response to a specific query. If asked about fire regulations, for example, it can provide a comprehensive summary, including citations from the manual.
When health systems align their AI solutions with strategic goals, they have the potential to elevate the human experience for their team and drive true value. As technology continues to evolve, keeping up with advancements while evaluating how new tools will fit into your health system’s unique goals is essential to ensure smooth and effective operations over time.
JD Duigou
JD Duigou brings more than 20 years of IT experience and leadership into his role as Chief Information Officer of Medxcel, an integrated facilities management organization with a sole focus on healthcare. He has led development, delivery and support of advanced technology solutions for national and global organizations.
