PwC study: How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing inpatient healthcare

27.07.2021 15:26

Chatbot apps automatically carry out the anamnesis and derive diagnoses and treatment suggestions from it, robot systems assist with complex procedures in the operating room and the examination of blood and tissue samples in the laboratory is fully automated. In the course of digitalization, intelligent systems are being used more and more frequently in German hospitals. With the help of artificial intelligence, for example, operations can be optimized so that the use of blood plasma and preserved blood can be minimized. This helps patients and saves financial and life-saving resources.

“Smart technologies can make work processes in hospitals and clinics – as well as in doctor’s offices and health insurance companies – more efficient, leaving more time for core tasks,” comments Michael Burkhart, Head of Healthcare at PwC Germany. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology in the digitalization of the German healthcare system. It makes it possible to quickly analyze large amounts of data. From this, connections can be derived that help to improve care practice and relieve the burden on medical staff,” continues Michael Burkhart.

The experts from PwC come to these results in a current white paper that highlights the potential that AI holds for the hospital sector. The experts also outline the biggest challenges associated with the implementation of AI - and how hospitals can get them under control. 

All sides benefit from the use of AI in hospitals

As early as 2017, PwC came to the conclusion in a study that the large-scale use of AI in Europe could reduce health and follow-up costs for dementia, breast cancer and childhood obesity by almost 180 billion euros within ten years. The use of AI results in advantages for all stakeholders: The quality of care improves for patients because AI can support medical staff in diagnostics, monitoring the success of treatment or evaluating laboratory results. 

Thanks to AI-supported documentation, digitized voice input and improved workflows, doctors and nursing staff gain time that also benefits the treatment of patients. AI also contributes to optimized decision-making: intelligent systems can be used to analyze large amounts of data, enabling a comprehensive view of patients. In this way, more precise treatments and medications can be derived. 

But the use of AI also creates advantages for hospital management: resources can be better controlled. Predictions based on AI regarding patient volume or length of stay ensure optimal utilization. 

Submit funding applications until 2021

“The potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare is huge. “But many managers are hesitant about integrating AI applications into everyday medical practice,” reports Michael Burkhart. According to a PwC study from 2019, only 30 percent rely on AI solutions. With a view to the Hospital Future Act approved by the Federal Council in October 2020, which is intended to promote digitalization and transformation projects in hospitals, quick action is required: applications for funding must be submitted in 2021 and the approved projects must be implemented by 2024. 

The biggest hurdles when using AI in the stationary sector

The white paper from PwC analyzed the most important reasons why companies in the healthcare industry are still so reluctant to use AI applications. Accordingly, many hospitals lack a holistic digitalization strategy with concrete goals, project steps and success measurement. In addition, the data quality often leaves something to be desired: “Hospitals generate a wealth of data every day that can only be usefully evaluated with AI. However, for this to happen, the data must be of high quality, easily available and usable for AI applications. That is often not the case,” reports Hendrik Reese, PwC expert for artificial intelligence.

In addition, the majority of German hospitals lack specialist expertise in AI. It is also difficult for houses to select a suitable provider of intelligent systems. A major hurdle lies not least in the IT landscape of the hospitals themselves: “This has often grown historically. This makes it more difficult to integrate new technologies,” says Jörg Asma, PwC cyber security expert.

Lack of acceptance from the workforce

The lack of acceptance among the workforce often stands in the way of the successful use of AI. “AI can only be used successfully if the workforce supports the technology. It is therefore important to promote acceptance by involving employees in the transformation process at an early stage,” says AI expert Hendrik Reese. 

In addition, there are the complex ethical and regulatory frameworks for the use of AI. Cyber expert Jörg Asma also observes a lack of trust in security: “Hospitals work with sensitive data. You must therefore strengthen patients’ trust through a high level of information security. When planning AI applications, compliance issues must be taken into account right from the start,” says the cyber expert. And last but not least, financing issues complicate the use of AI in hospitals: For many hospitals, it is difficult to calculate exactly what savings potential AI offers.

AI as an answer to the major challenges in the healthcare sector

“It's a long way from the initial considerations to the smooth use of AI in everyday care. In order for this transformation to succeed, a strategic roadmap is needed,” concludes Hendrik Reese. The AI expert admits that the technology also poses risks: “A risk analysis helps to identify sources of danger, determine the probabilities of occurrence and run through various scenarios.” 

In the end, however, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, Michael Burkhart is convinced: “AI can help ensure high quality care and limit rising healthcare costs. In this respect, it is a suitable answer to the major challenges facing the healthcare system: the shortage of skilled workers, the growing number of chronic diseases and demographic change.”