WellSpan Health, a York, Pa.-based health system, is pioneering the use of a generative AI “agent” named Ana to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare processes.
Developed by Hippocratic AI, Ana is an artificial intelligence voice assistant designed to assist patients with colorectal cancer screenings and colonoscopy preparations. This innovative tool calls patients to schedule screenings, mails at-home stool tests, provides preparation advice for colonoscopies, and conducts post-procedure check-ins.
The AI agent’s capabilities extend beyond simple chatbot functionality, featuring full speech recognition and the ability to understand complex speech patterns.
Ana’s implementation aims to address workforce shortages while improving health equity by reaching out to patients in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, with plans to add Haitian Creole and Nepali.
The introduction of Ana at WellSpan Health represents a significant step in healthcare digital transformation. The AI agent has shown promising results, with high patient satisfaction scores and minimal need for human intervention during calls.
WellSpan has taken careful measures to ensure patient safety and quality care, including human monitoring of initial calls and thorough validation processes.
The health system is already exploring expanded applications for AI agents in chronic care management, post-discharge follow-ups, and preoperative patient education.
This initiative is part of a larger trend in healthcare innovation, supported by significant investments from venture capital firms and partnerships with other health systems.
Ultimately, the goal is to augment the care provided by nurses, allowing them to focus on critical tasks that require their expertise while the AI handles routine communications and follow-ups.