In a 48-hour artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon, a team of 25 Endavans immersed itself in hands-on learning sessions led by Microsoft experts. Together, they collaborated to develop innovative healthcare AI solutions using Microsoft Azure Generative AI. The goal was to create technology demonstrators to assist pharmacists and address critical challenges in emergency care.
Emergency room triage automation
The ER triage assistant, envisioned as the first point of contact for certain patients in the emergency room, used patient symptoms, vital signs and medical history to triage patients according to the Emergency Severity Index. This objective decision support system provided a consistent evaluation process, minimising variations in assessments. The result? A streamlined triage process, reducing workload and ensuring quick and accurate assessments.
By automating routine tasks, the ER Triage Assistant allows triage nurses to focus on critical patient care tasks, ultimately improving overall time efficiency in emergency room operations. It also improves the ER patient experience by keeping patients regularly updated during their wait and ensuring patients with the highest acuity are seen first.
Collaborating with Microsoft experts at the hackathon
Personalised pharmacy services
The second concept focused on assisting pharmacists in using patient data, including genetic information, to personalise prescriptions and recommendations. The Pharmacy Co-Pilot considers genetic makeup, medical history, current prescriptions, demographic information and supplement queries to provide nuanced insights and recommendations for pharmacists.
This not only empowers pharmacists to tailor treatments more effectively but also enriches the patient experience by ensuring healthcare approaches are personalised and optimised. Although the patient data used was not real, ethical considerations in handling genetic information were acknowledged. In a real-world setting, ensuring robust privacy measures, obtaining informed consent and promoting transparency are paramount.
Business value and future applications
The ER Triage Assistant and Pharmacy Co-Pilot bring value to healthcare by refining treatment precision and optimising resource utilisation. Clinicians benefit from efficient workflows, data-driven insights and personalised recommendations, facilitating informed decisions for tailored patient care. This not only ensures a patient-centric experience but also introduces innovation to healthcare solutions.
Accelerating healthcare solutions
While we may not use these specific examples in our work with clients, our success in the hackathon not only equips us with a deep understanding of generative AI technology but also aligns with Endava’s commitment to constant innovation. Our approach involves exploring technologies that can act as catalysts, speeding up client work and enhancing overall efficiency.
For a better look at our team’s work at the hackathon, watch this video.
The first version of this article was previously published on LinkedIn.