Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1058489
33 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT How AI & natural language processing technologies can improve outcomes: Q&A with RCCH HealthCare Partners CMIO Dr. Vishal Bhatia By Jackie Drees V ishal Bhatia, MD, chief medical in- formation officer at RCCH Health- Care Partners in Brentwood, Tenn., discusses the evolution of his role as CMIO and how artificial intelligence, natural language processing and voice recognition technologies can improve healthcare. Editor's note: Responses are lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: How has your role as CMIO evolved over the past two to three years? How have your respon- sibilities changed since you took on the role? Dr. Vishal Bhatia: e role has changed from EMR governance and clinical informatics to clinical transformation and process improvement. is new shi includes clinical and operational efficiency to promote improved outcomes, propagate best practices and reduce care variation. A large part of that is data standardiza- tion, normalization and analysis to deliver desired results. Q: What do you consider your No. 1 priority as CMIO? How do you ensure you're successful? VB: Interoperability and how to manage exchange of data without compromising provider workflow and efficiency. We value end user input and 'cus- tomizing' workflow to local needs yet standardizing care and promoting evi- dence-based practices. Q: Which apps and technologies do you find most helpful? VB: AI and natural language processing in driving evidence-based practice and efficient workflow via real time analytics for best patient outcomes. Q: How do you feel about the use of voice recognition technology, such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, in healthcare? Is there a place for its use within the EHR? VB: e use of voice recognition and improved natural language processing can provide a lot of efficiencies within the EHR. Some examples of this include voice search, data input and order queues. However, challenges the technology may pose with cloud-based, AI and machine learning technologies would be security and data privacy. n Understanding patient experience can help curb unneeded tests By Megan Knowles W hen providers make efforts to better under- stand patients' experiences during imaging tests, it can help them decide whether or not these tests are necessary during care, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found. "To promote judicious use of imaging tests, initia- tives to better understand patients' experiences of these tests are vital," study author Monica Zig- man-Suchsland, a research scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues wrote. "This could facilitate the design and development of tools that enable physicians and patients to navigate the complexities of decision-making together, taking into account patient-centered outcomes." The researchers interviewed 45 patients from four primary clinics and asked them to describe their experience of having an X-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound in the last year. Of these patients, 30 had a diagnostic imaging test and 15 underwent imaging for screening or monitoring. The interviewees revealed four themes related to patient-centered outcomes: knowledge gained from the imaging test, its contribution to their healthcare journey, physical experiences during the test and effects of the testing process on emotions. "Measurement and reporting patient-centered out- comes should be considered more often in diagnostic research," the researchers said. "Tools for providers and patients to discuss and utilize these outcomes may help promote shared decision-making around the use and impact of imaging tests." n "To promote judicious use of imaging tests, initiatives to better understand patients' experiences of these tests are vital." -Monica Zigman-Suchsland, research scientist at the University of Washington