AI tool in general practices with new professional roles
In general practices, most chronically ill patients are referred to GPs by medical practice assistants. In future, referrals will be made using an AI tool so that patients can be assigned to the right specialists at the right time.
Factsheet
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Schools involved
School of Health Professions
School of Engineering and Computer Science - Institute(s) Nursing
- Research unit(s) Innovation in the Field of Health Care and Human Resources Development
- Funding organisation Innosuisse
- Duration 01.02.2024 - 31.12.2025
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Head of project
Prof. Dr. Maya Zumstein-Shaha
Dr. Margarithe Ch. Feuz-Schlunegger -
Project staff
Prof. Dr. Maya Zumstein-Shaha
Prof. Dr. Souhir Ben Souissi
Prof. Dr. Christoph Golz
Tanja Siegenthaler
Sophie Karoline Brandt - Keywords General practice, referral, new professional roles, AI tool
Situation
The benefits of digital healthcare are important for the population and GPs. Initial medical assessment tools determine the timing of care allocation and are still often algorithm-based. They have been in use for some time, with varying degrees of success. GP practices are increasingly adopting new care models that include other specialists such as advanced practice nurses (APNs) in addition to GPs. Therefore, the referral decision must be adjusted so that patients can benefit directly from the new care models. Accordingly, it makes sense to use AI-based tools for the referral process in GP practices.
Course of action
The aim of the project is to make the treatment of chronically ill patients more targeted, timely and efficient. To this end, an initial feasibility study was conducted using mixed methods. In addition to observing the current referral process, interviews were conducted with specialists in general practices with new care models.
Result
Based on the observation and interview data, a new referral process was developed for general practices with new care models. This referral process was reviewed by specialists. It became apparent that the use of digital tools is still not very widespread in current GP care. Furthermore, the foundations for implementing such a referral process are not yet sufficiently mature to directly develop an AI tool.
Looking ahead
In future, however, referrals are to be AI-based so that patients are referred to the appropriate specialist at an early stage. This will provide them with a continuous point of contact and local care. On the part of specialists, working time will be better utilised and, above all, the work involved will be distributed on the basis of competence.
