Use of Artificial Intelligence tools in supporting decision-making in hospital management.

Autor: Alves M; Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. mauricioalves@ulscoimbra.min-saude.pt.; NOVA National School of Public Health, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. mauricioalves@ulscoimbra.min-saude.pt., Seringa J; Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA National School of Public Health, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal., Silvestre T; Unidade Local de Saúde da Lezíria, Santarém, Portugal., Magalhães T; Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA National School of Public Health, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: BMC health services research [BMC Health Serv Res] 2024 Oct 25; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 1282. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 25.
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11602-y
Abstrakt: Background: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in hospital management holds potential for enhancing decision-making processes. This study investigates the current state of decision-making in hospital management, explores the potential benefits of AI integration, and examines hospital managers' perceptions of AI as a decision-support tool.
Methods: A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 hospital managers from various departments and institutions. The interviews were transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed using thematic coding to identify key themes and patterns in the responses.
Results: Hospital managers highlighted the current inefficiencies in decision-making processes, often characterized by poor communication, isolated decision-making, and limited data access. The use of traditional tools like spreadsheet applications and business intelligence systems remains prevalent, but there is a clear need for more advanced, integrated solutions. Managers expressed both optimism and skepticism about AI, acknowledging its potential to improve efficiency and decision-making while raising concerns about data privacy, ethical issues, and the loss of human empathy. The study identified key challenges, including the variability in technical skills, data fragmentation, and resistance to change. Managers emphasized the importance of robust data infrastructure and adequate training to ensure successful AI integration.
Conclusions: The study reveals a complex landscape where the potential benefits of AI in hospital management are balanced with significant challenges and concerns. Effective integration of AI requires addressing technical, ethical, and cultural issues, with a focus on maintaining human elements in decision-making. AI is seen as a powerful tool to support, not replace, human judgment in hospital management, promising improvements in efficiency, data accessibility, and analytical capacity. Preparing healthcare institutions with the necessary infrastructure and providing specialized training for managers are crucial for maximizing the benefits of AI while mitigating associated risks.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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