Efficiency isn't just about cost savings; it can also uplift patient care, alleviate burnout and augment researchers' jobs, Joe Depa, inaugural chief data and analytics officer of Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare, told Becker's.
"There's immense potential in using AI and automation to simplify labor-heavy responsibilities," he said. "Done right, such operational streamlining will pave the way for reinvestment and future growth."
Mr. Depa said AI can allow hospitals to "leapfrog," providing tools to help make end users' lives a bit easier.
"If done right, AI should reduce friction in the system and help our clinical care teams, researchers, operators and faculty be more effective and increase job satisfaction," he said.
Mr. Depa said that although there's immense potential with the technology, there must be balance in its usage.
"It's crucial that we employ AI responsibly in all endeavors, but we must balance security with accessibility," he said.