Mercy’s AI Revolution: Elevating Nurse Efficiency and Retention
Harnessing AI for Workforce Stability
In a groundbreaking move, Mercy Health System has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its nursing operations, leading to an impressive $52 million in talent retention and workforce engagement. As revealed by Mercy’s Senior Vice President, Betty Jo Rocchio, during the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum in Boston, this initiative has resulted in a 20% improvement in nurses’ experiences with electronic health records and a 17% enhancement in efficiency.
Emphasizing Human Flourishing
Rocchio, who holds the position of chief nurse executive and actively practices nursing, emphasized that healthcare bears a significant responsibility and presents vast opportunities for human flourishing. “Every interaction in the healthcare setting should promote well-being,” she articulated, reflecting a commitment to both patient and staff wellness.
Innovative Changes Driving Resilience
Mercy has undertaken substantial transformations, such as adopting mobile-based charting and creating an automated nurse-credentialing system. These changes streamline the handoff process from the emergency department to inpatient care across its extensive network of 51 hospitals, fostering a resilient workforce while enhancing retention rates.
Data-Driven Decision Making
In an age where analytics are crucial, Rocchio highlighted the importance of having robust data to back their decisions: “We have to have the analytics in the background to say we’re making the right moves.” The emphasis on data-driven practices is proving to be pivotal in financial and operational success.
Challenges in the Healthcare Workforce
Hal Wolf, the president and CEO of HIMSS, underscored the continuing skilled worker challenge. According to Wolf, healthcare systems face the pressing question of how to leverage tools effectively to expand their caregiving capabilities. Notably, projections from 2018 predicted a gap of 13 million clinicians globally by 2035, a figure recently revised to 18 million by the World Health Organization.
An Urgent Need for Workforce Development
Rocchio echoed these sentiments, urging for immediate action: “We cannot wait another 10 to 15 years to figure out if we’re going to have the people that we need in the model of care that we deliver today.” This urgency has prompted Mercy to focus heavily on workforce development.
Leveraging AI for Workflow Optimization
To enhance the work environment and workflow, Mercy has tapped into AI technology. Rocchio mentioned, “If we could straighten out those three things in healthcare—regardless of the site of care—we would be further ahead today.” The health system is reconsidering traditional models in light of emerging technologies.
The Importance of Flexibility in Nursing
A recent analysis revealed that today’s nursing workforce places significant value on flexible compensation, work-life balance, and control over their schedules. Rocchio noted that the latest generations of nurses seek different conditions than their predecessors, a shift that necessitates a rethinking of workplace policies.
Transforming Digital Strategies
Mercy’s digital transformation has been influenced by Everett Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory, showcasing a systematic approach to workforce development. An automated nurse-credentialing system has led to a 25% reduction in time spent on staffing and scheduling tasks.
Managing Staffing with Technology
Through this credentialing system, nursing staff can tailor their shifts based on their preferences. “We applied the supply-demand concept that’s been around for a million years to healthcare,” Rocchio explained, demonstrating the system’s practical application and the analytics that support it.
Alleviating Managerial Concerns
Despite initial concerns from nurse managers about filling schedules, the data indicated that staff were willing to take on open shifts. “Two years in, it’s still working great,” Rocchio noted, pointing to a calming effect on the workforce.
Reducing Cognitive Overload for Nurses
Excessive time spent (estimated at 240 minutes per shift) on electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly contribute to nurse burnout. Rocchio emphasized that the goal is to reduce cognitive load, stating, “If we’re increasing their workload while we’re doing it, we’re probably driving them away.”
Mobile Solutions and Augmented Intelligence
To combat these issues, Mercy is moving towards mobile-first operations with tools like Epic’s Rover. Leveraging augmented intelligence, they aim to improve patient handoffs from emergency departments, effectively streamlining communication and operations.
Crucial Information at Nurses’ Fingertips
By utilizing an AI-enhanced system that navigates various EHR components—such as physician orders, medications, and labs—essential information is delivered directly to nurses’ mobile devices. This approach minimizes time spent on desktop systems, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care.
Conclusion: The Future of Healthcare Workforce Solutions
Mercy Health System’s innovative application of AI reveals a promising path towards enhanced efficiency and nurse retention in the healthcare sector. Through continuous adaptation and leveraging technology, Mercy is not just addressing current workforce challenges but is also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient healthcare model that prioritizes both patient and staff flourishing. As they move forward, the integration of technology could serve as a template for health systems worldwide striving to enhance their operations and workforce satisfaction.
