Jefferson Einstein Transforms PE Management with AI: A Breakthrough in Patient Care
Navigating the Challenge of Increasing PE Cases
Before integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications, Jefferson Einstein, a prominent entity within the Jefferson Health system, grappled with a critical challenge in managing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) cases. The increase in imaging volumes combined with labor-intensive workflows—common hurdles across numerous healthcare facilities—hampered the swift identification and triaging of PE incidents, particularly during emergencies where time was of the essence.
Identifying Workflow Inefficiencies
The traditional methodologies utilized for managing medical imaging struggled to keep pace with the surge in demand spanning various disciplines and modalities. It became evident to the healthcare professionals at Jefferson Einstein that the burgeoning capabilities of AI could fill these gaps, ultimately enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
A Vision for Transformation
Dr. Avi Sharma, director and associate chair of AI at Jefferson Einstein, articulated the institution’s innovative ethos. “Our commitment to pioneering advancements pushed us to investigate how AI could transform PE management, streamline workflows, boost diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient care,” Sharma shared. This ambitious vision led to an exploration of cutting-edge technologies capable of addressing these pressing healthcare needs.
Choosing the Right Partnership
The collaboration with Aidoc, a leading health IT vendor, emerged as a strategic partnership to leverage AI for optimizing PE management. Acknowledging their previous successes with Aidoc’s diagnostic radiology platforms, Sharma noted, “Our longstanding partnership with Aidoc gave us confidence that their aiOS technology could significantly enhance our pulmonary embolism response team (PERT) workflows.”
Real-Time Alerts for Timely Intervention
Aidoc’s innovative AI platform provides real-time alerts for suspected pulmonary embolisms. This not only automates the identification of potential cases but also promptly communicates with the PERT via a mobile application, thereby facilitating swift interventions. “This proactive capability allows for timely treatment and rapid mobilization of multidisciplinary teams,” Sharma explained.
Seamless Integration into Existing Systems
A key benefit of Aidoc’s technology is its seamless integration with existing systems like Fuji Synapse PACS and Cerner EHR. By minimizing disruptions during the transition, the technology empowers both diagnostic and interventional radiologists to operate more efficiently, enabling Jefferson Einstein to uphold its commitment to high-quality patient care.
Revolutionizing the Management of PE Cases
The adoption of AI has drastically transformed the management of PE cases at Jefferson Einstein. Notifications sent through mobile alerts enable interventional radiologists to evaluate patient imaging and lab results from any location at any time, ensuring real-time collaboration and significantly curtailing delays in critical decisions.
Streamlining Processes for Enhanced Outcomes
“The AI initiates a streamlined protocol,” Sharma elaborated. Radiologists receive alerts that prompt immediate resource mobilization to triage patients needing urgent surgical interventions. This strategic enhancement has notably decreased treatment times and improved clinician confidence through better communication.
Incorporating AI into Education
In addition to practical applications, Jefferson Einstein has taken steps to integrate AI into its educational framework. Radiology residents are now exposed to AI technology from the outset during their training, fostering early competency with these transformative tools.
Measurable Results: A Quantitative Leap Forward
Results from this integration are compelling, yielding significant improvements across several critical metrics.
Increased Intervention Rates
The intervention rates of the PERT skyrocketed by 73.8%, with cases rising from 0.84% to 1.46% post-AI implementation, illustrating AI’s efficacy in promptly triaging crucial cases. “Faster responses can be a matter of life or death,” noted Sharma.Reduction in Time to Treatment
A recent study slated for presentation at SIR 2025 reports a 20% reduction in overall exam-to-needle time for patients undergoing percutaneous thrombectomy for acute pulmonary embolism—from 148 minutes to 119 minutes. The speed of treatment can drastically impact patient survival rates and outcomes.- Enhanced Workflow Efficiency
The radiology department has experienced significant advancements in critical result communication turnaround times. A detailed analysis of data from early adopters revealed remarkable efficiency improvements, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages further adoption of AI tools among staff.
Encouraging Adoption of AI in Healthcare
For other healthcare systems seeking to adopt AI technologies, Sharma emphasizes the importance of taking the plunge. “The best time to start using AI was yesterday,” he quipped. Identifying pain points in workflows and choosing compatible AI systems that can integrate with existing infrastructure is crucial.
Building a Culture of Trust and Curiosity
Fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and trust is vital for successful technology adoption. Engaging enthusiastic early adopters to champion these innovations can inspire their peers and cultivate an environment where success stories proliferate.
Ongoing Education: The Key to Future Readiness
Continuous education remains a cornerstone of successful AI integration, particularly for future radiologists who will shape the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. Ensuring that training is adaptive to new tools and practices is essential for a forward-thinking healthcare workforce.
A Long-Term Investment in Patient Care
Sharma concludes with a powerful reminder that investing in AI is fundamentally about enhancing patient care. “AI is not just about return on investment; it’s about elevating the standard of care for all patients.” This technology serves as a safety net, ensuring that the highest level of care is accessible to every individual.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Healthcare
The journey of Jefferson Einstein illustrates the profound impact that AI can have on enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. By embracing innovative technologies and fostering a culture of advancement, healthcare systems can significantly improve outcomes in critical areas, ultimately ensuring that patients receive the timely and effective care they need. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into healthcare practices will undoubtedly reshape the future of medical care for the better.
