Overview of the Initiative
Fraser Health is collaborating with Deloitte Canada to create advanced scheduling tools using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The project, supported by a $1.5 million Scale AI grant, aims to forecast patient demand and optimize staffing in emergency and hospitalist departments. This partnership focuses on developing three AI models to analyze patient data and improve scheduling efficiency in hospitals.
Key Features of the Project
- Two AI models will analyze patient analytics from electronic medical records to predict patient volume in emergency and medicine departments.
- A third model will align patient data with business rules to create a flexible scheduling baseline, allowing for various scenarios.
- A new forecasting tool will launch at Eagle Ridge Hospital and Burnaby Hospital, helping physicians adjust schedules based on expected patient arrivals.
- The hospitalist department will utilize an AI-driven surge prediction model to manage staffing levels, achieving high accuracy in predicting patient surges.
Significance of the Collaboration
This initiative is crucial for enhancing patient care and improving operational efficiency in healthcare. By integrating AI into scheduling processes, Fraser Health aims to address staffing challenges and better meet patient needs. The project exemplifies how technology can transform healthcare, leading to a more sustainable and responsive system. The collaboration also represents a broader trend in Canada, with multiple health projects receiving funding to innovate and deploy AI solutions across the healthcare landscape.
