IP & C Expert Addresses the Potential of AI to Assist IPs
Shanina C . Knighton , PhD , RN , CIC , adjunct associate professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University , shares her perspective on how machine learning / artificial intelligence could bolster the work of infection preventionists ( IPs ).
HHM To what extent is it possible for machine learning /
AI to aid IPs related to relieving some of their daily workload / staffing and resourcing needs ?
Shanina C . Knighton : One of the heavy burdens of an IP ’ s role , depending on resources , can be surveillance and reporting . Unfortunately , while there are many healthcare facilities that use electronic health records , some IPs are still building out their own processes using Excel and other platforms to identify and track infections . Furthermore , when it comes to understanding the meaning of the data , AI can assist with this along with statistical expertise . It would also be helpful to have AI tools that could pull instructions for use ( IFU ) data when needed for accreditation . Unfortunately , when manufacturers develop limited or specific protocols for cleaning or using devices , the information is not always accessible . If procurement information automatically pulled this information into a system , that could be helpful for IPs . Time-related tasks , suggestions and pattern recognition could be useful in helping IPs understand their staffing and resource needs .
HHM Which tasks specifically could be transferred to AI easily and why ?
SCK : Repetitive tasks that weigh down responsibilities would be a start . Administrative tasks and infection surveillance consistently ranked highest and account for 25 percent to 50 percent of time worked . 1 Depending on where hospitals are located , how they are
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