Clinician Engagement can be Boosted using AI Powered Scheduling

Artificial intelligence-based Scheduling can help reduce burnout and improve physician engagement, according to research presented this week at ASA Advance 2022, the Anesthesiology Business Event. The average engagement scores of 60 anesthesiologists jumped from 3.3 to 4.2 out of 5 six months after Ochsner Health in New Orleans introduced its new AI system, according to researchers — one of the largest advances in the Ochsner Health system.

They started using AI to schedule anesthesiologists in 2018 to gain more control and flexibility, and saw immediate results. Our anesthesiologists can take one or two mornings and one or two afternoons off per month on average, allowing them to better balance their work and personal lives and attend activities that are important to them.

After accounting for day-off requests, call schedules, and a fair allocation of early versus late days, Oschner’s previous Scheduling system depended on an Excel spreadsheet, which allowed for one or two adjustments. In comparison, the AI-based Scheduling tool provided both flexibility and predictability, according to the study, in part by increasing vacation days and reducing ungranted vacation days.

Within six months, anesthesiologists’ engagement scores had dramatically improved, implying a better working connection between the organisation and clinicians, according to the study. Choudhry’s team said that the AI Scheduling system was also incredibly helpful during the COVID-19 epidemic, albeit Oschner did not answer to queries for details from Healthcare IT News about the precise vendor employed. According to Choudhry, the approach provided a fair distribution of physician shifts in the intensive care unit while taking into account changing staffing responsibilities in the operating rooms.