FROM THE BENCH
Supercharging the Workforce with Generative AI in Dallas County
By Alexandra Portman , LRN BT coordinator / microbiologist , Dallas County Health and Human Services Public Health Laboratory ; Kayle Cirrincione , health and safety manager , Public Health Laboratory and alternate responsible official , Federal Select Agent Program , Dallas County Health and Human Services Public Health Laboratory ; and David Silva , quality manager , Dallas County Health and Human Services Public Health Laboratory
When most people think of artificial intelligence ( AI ), images of science fiction pop culture references like I , Robot or Battlestar Galactica come to mind . While machine consciousness or intelligence known as super intelligence might be the stuff of curiosity or nightmares , generative AI is emerging as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way work is done . Generative AI focuses on creating new content rather than understanding or learning autonomously from its environment . By entering well thought out commands or prompts into programs such as ChatGPT or Gemini , users can generate text , images and data that can be used in many different types of applications . This means that laboratories can write procedures that meet current regulations , develop effective training programs , and advance data analytics faster than ever before . The public health laboratory team at Dallas County Health and Human Services have learned to embrace this rapidly evolving technology while keeping in mind the limitations generative AI applications currently face .
Starting Simple with Automation
The hardest part of writing any document is figuring out where to start . Which is why one of the significant applications of generative AI at Dallas County is drafting the skeleton and bare bones of policies and procedures . You can achieve this in a couple of ways . First , you can prompt your chosen AI generator to create an initial draft based on a given topic or procedure , and then modify with further prompts to fit your requirements . Or alternatively , you can input an existing document and prompt the AI to review and compare . This ensures compliance with current regulations and standards while speeding up the creation of essential documents .
Generative AI also plays a crucial role in constructing comprehensive laboratory training programs that are based on Bloom ’ s taxonomy and SMART learning objectives . From prompting for quiz questions that cover main points to identifying overarching themes in topics , this approach covers various cognitive levels from basic knowledge acquisition to complex analysis and creation tasks . By structuring training materials and documentation to address different learning needs , generative AI enhances the overall effectiveness of employee training initiatives , which ensure all staff members are well-prepared and knowledgeable .
Another critical application of generative AI is in supporting data analytics , particularly with Excel TM and coding commands . For instance , it can help write complex formulas or scripts that would typically require specialized knowledge , which allows our laboratory to conduct advanced data analysis without needing extensive programming expertise . It facilitates easier and more informed decision making , leading to improved planning for the future of our laboratory .
Still Needed : Human Oversight
While generative AI offers numerous benefits , it also comes with certain challenges that need to be carefully managed . One of the main advantages of generative AI is its efficiency . It can quickly automate routine tasks or develop new content , saving time for employees who need to process large volumes of information . However , generative AI should not be the primary source for critical work . The output can vary significantly based on the exact wording of the prompt , leading to potential inconsistencies or inaccuracies ; it is important to be cautious of hallucinations and false information that AI systems may inadvertently generate . This variability necessitates human knowledge and oversight to ensure the quality and reliability of the content produced . Furthermore , there are significant privacy and security concerns , particularly around HIPAA compliance . Generative AI systems and their human operators must be carefully managed and monitored to prevent inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information .
Generative AI holds substantial promise for transforming organizational processes by enhancing efficiency and capability within our laboratory . Dallas County ’ s use of generative AI in drafting policies , building training programs , and even assist in writing articles such as this one highlights its potential to revolutionize traditional workflows , while empowering the work of already exceptional and knowledgeable employees . However , to fully harness the benefits of this technology , it is crucial to balance its advantages with its limitations . This requires knowledgeable individuals who can effectively guide and utilize these programs ; ensuring that generative AI serves as a tool to augment human efforts rather than replace them . By doing so , Dallas County can maintain the integrity and security of its operations while leveraging the power of generative AI to drive innovation and efficiency . g
6 LAB MATTERS Fall 2024
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