As healthcare providers grapple with escalating demands, from patient care management to intricate administrative tasks, the industry is on the lookout for game-changing solutions to boost efficiency and enhance outcomes. AI emerges as a potent force, with the potential to reshape every facet of healthcare, from patient interactions to administrative processes. Generative AI, in particular, holds the key to transforming patient care.

Unleashing the Power of AI in Healthcare with Global System Integrators

Domain Expertise in Healthcare and AI

Global system integrators like NTT Data, Deloitte, and Cognizant possess a unique blend of domain knowledge and technological prowess. NTT Data, for instance, has healthcare-specific AI solutions ready for adaptation. It recently joined forces with Amelia, a leading enterprise Conversational AI platform, to enhance patient engagement and streamline healthcare operations. Amelia offers 24/7 personalized interactions, automating tasks such as appointment scheduling and real-time responses.NTT Data also has its Nucleus for Healthcare digital framework, which integrates data, automation, and AI as a centralized platform. This enables seamless access and analysis of disparate data sources for healthcare providers.Deloitte's Frontline AI Teammate platform leverages Nvidia's AI Enterprise platform to create lifelike digital avatars. These avatars alleviate the administrative burden by answering preadmission questions and providing support throughout the healthcare journey, allowing medical staff to focus on critical care tasks.Cognizant partnered with Google Cloud to deliver healthcare solutions using large language models. These solutions streamline administrative processes like contract management and call center operations.This expertise in blending healthcare-specific AI solutions with real-world operational needs gives healthcare providers confidence in the effectiveness, scalability, and compliance of these solutions.

Customization and Integration with Existing Systems

One of the key challenges in deploying AI in healthcare is ensuring seamless integration with existing IT systems and data architectures. NTT Data specializes in this complex integration. Its partnerships with forward-thinking healthcare providers, such as Duke Health, focus on building AI-based home care delivery systems. These systems integrate automation, device interoperability, and remote patient monitoring, creating a robust infrastructure for in-home healthcare services.By developing custom AI tools that work with a healthcare provider's existing platforms, NTT Data ensures smoother transitions, less downtime, and quicker deployment. This ability to tailor solutions to each healthcare organization's unique needs is a significant advantage.

Compliance and Security Expertise

Healthcare is one of the most highly regulated industries, with strict requirements for data privacy and security. GSIs like Cognizant are well-versed in these regulatory frameworks. Cognizant's AI solutions for healthcare leverage Google Cloud's secure infrastructure to protect sensitive data while complying with privacy standards.The GSIs also focus on responsible AI principles to ensure ethical and transparent deployment. This attention to regulatory compliance helps healthcare organizations avoid legal pitfalls while benefiting from AI innovations.NTT Data's Dr. John Frownfelter emphasizes the challenges related to regulatory compliance in bringing AI to healthcare. The FDA provides regulatory oversight for AI in the diagnostic process but not for patient records or engagement. Blending these data sources seamlessly is crucial for a consistent patient experience.

Scalability and Global Reach

GSIs have the ability to scale AI solutions globally. Healthcare systems vary between regions, and global system integrators can adapt solutions to different regulatory environments and cultural expectations.For example, Deloitte's Frontline AI Teammate can have natural conversations in multiple languages, addressing patient concerns worldwide. This level of customization and scalability is essential for large healthcare organizations operating across multiple regions.GSIs also support healthcare organizations at every stage of their AI journey, from strategy to deployment and maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures that AI solutions continue to deliver value as healthcare providers' needs evolve.

Reducing Administrative Burden and Improving Patient Outcomes

The deployment of AI in healthcare is about solving real-world problems. AI-powered digital agents can automate tasks like appointment scheduling and answering patient queries, freeing up healthcare providers to focus on patient care.In NTT Data's collaboration with Duke Health, the focus is on creating a more holistic, AI-driven care model. This allows patients to receive more care at home, reducing hospital strain and improving patient satisfaction.Emily Norboge, the chief research informatics officer for the Duke Cancer Institute, highlights the importance of partnering with a GSI like NTT Data. It removes roadblocks to deploying complex systems, enabling healthcare providers to focus on patient care.At the 2024 HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, NTT Data introduced Wound AI in collaboration with Vantiq and Telemedicine Solutions. This clinical decision support platform uses NTT DATA's Smart Management Platform to provide comprehensive analytics for wound assessments.NTT Data's Dr. Frownfelter emphasizes that the ultimate ROI for AI-driven healthcare systems is the patient experience. AI-powered virtual agents can exhibit empathy comparable to or even exceeding that of human agents.Cognizant's solutions streamline complex administrative workflows, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness in healthcare organizations.

Analyst's Take

As healthcare providers increasingly turn to AI, GSIs like Deloitte, Cognizant, and NTT Data are the natural partners. Their expertise in healthcare-specific AI applications and their ability to integrate, scale, and secure these solutions make them invaluable in modernizing healthcare.AI in healthcare is an ongoing journey that requires continuous innovation and support. GSIs, with their broad technological partnerships and R&D investments, are well-positioned to provide long-term support.Staying at the cutting edge of AI technology ensures that healthcare organizations can continue to innovate and evolve their AI capabilities. But it's not just about the technology; GSIs also offer managed services and future upgrades to ensure security, compliance, and performance.By partnering with a GSI, healthcare providers can navigate the complexities of AI adoption and improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. With GSIs leading the way, the future of AI in healthcare is bright.