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How Geisinger Health Leveraged Voice AI for Pre-Surgery Screening Calls, Improving Prep Compliance by 40%

  • Indranil Roy
  • 7 days ago
  • 4 min read

Getting ready for surgery can be a big deal, and making sure patients follow all the pre-op instructions is super important for good results. But, let's be real, it's not always easy. Geisinger Health recently tried something new with voice AI for their pre-surgery calls, and it really helped. They saw a big jump in how well patients followed their prep plans, like a 40% improvement. This shows how new tech can make a real difference in healthcare.

Key Takeaways

  • Geisinger Health used voice AI (specifically DIVA) to automate calls to patients before surgery.

  • This new approach made a big difference, increasing patient prep compliance by 40%.

  • Using voice AI helps patients get ready for surgery better and makes healthcare more efficient overall.

The Challenge: Ensuring Patient Readiness for Surgery

Understanding the Criticality of Pre-Surgery Compliance

Getting ready for surgery isn't just about the day of the procedure; it's about everything leading up to it. Patient compliance patient decision aids with pre-operative instructions is super important. If patients don't follow these guidelines – things like fasting, medication adjustments, or specific hygiene protocols – it can lead to serious complications during or after surgery. We're talking about increased risks of infection, longer hospital stays, and, in some cases, even the need for additional surgeries. It's a big deal, and it directly impacts patient safety and the overall success of the operation. That's why ensuring patients are fully prepared is a top priority for Geisinger Health.

The Human Element in Traditional Screening Processes

Traditionally, pre-surgery screening relies heavily on phone calls made by nurses or other healthcare staff. While these calls are well-intentioned, they can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Think about it: nurses are already stretched thin, and making dozens of calls each day to review lengthy checklists can be draining. Information can be missed, misunderstood, or simply forgotten by the patient. Plus, there's the challenge of reaching patients at convenient times and ensuring they fully understand the instructions. The traditional approach, while necessary, has its limitations. Here are some common issues:

  • Inconsistent information delivery.

  • Difficulty reaching patients.

  • High staff workload.

The reliance on manual processes introduces variability and potential for errors. Standardizing the process and reducing the burden on staff are key goals for improving patient readiness.

This is where the need for a more efficient and reliable solution becomes clear. We need a way to make sure every patient gets the right information, at the right time, without overwhelming our already busy healthcare teams.

Voice AI as a Transformative Solution

Automating Pre-Operative Outreach with DIVA

Geisinger Health recognized the potential of voice AI to streamline and improve the pre-surgery screening process. They implemented a solution called DIVA (Digital Intelligent Voice Assistant) to automate patient outreach. DIVA proactively contacts patients, guiding them through required questionnaires and instructions. This reduces the burden on clinical staff and ensures patients receive timely and consistent information. It's like having a dedicated assistant for every patient, making sure they're fully prepared.

Measuring the Impact on Patient Preparedness

DIVA's implementation wasn't just about automation; it was about improving patient outcomes. The team closely monitored key metrics to assess its effectiveness. This included tracking:

  • The number of patients successfully contacted.

  • The completion rate of pre-surgery questionnaires.

  • The reduction in phone calls to clinical staff.

  • Patient feedback on their experience with DIVA.

The results were clear: DIVA significantly improved patient preparedness. By automating outreach and providing clear instructions, more patients were ready for their procedures, leading to fewer cancellations and delays. This is a win-win for both patients and the healthcare system.

Achieving Significant Improvements in Patient Outcomes

The most significant result was a 40% increase in patient compliance with pre-operative preparation guidelines. This improvement translates directly to better patient outcomes and a more efficient use of healthcare resources. The success of DIVA highlights the power of voice AI in EHRs to transform healthcare delivery. It also shows how AI can provide multilingual support for patients, ensuring everyone has access to the information they need. This is a big step forward in making healthcare more accessible and effective.

Achieving Significant Improvements in Patient Outcomes

The 40% Increase in Prep Compliance

Okay, so here's the exciting part. By using DIVA, Geisinger saw a massive jump in how well patients followed pre-surgery instructions. We're talking about a 40% increase in compliance. That's huge! It means more patients were actually ready for their procedures, which can lead to fewer complications and better results. It's not just a number; it represents real people getting the care they need, safely. This also helps with patient safety.

Broader Implications for Healthcare Efficiency and Safety

This isn't just about one hospital or one type of surgery. Think about it: if a simple voice AI can boost compliance by 40%, what else can it do? It opens up a world of possibilities for making healthcare more efficient and safer for everyone. Less time spent chasing down patients, fewer cancelled surgeries, and happier, healthier people. It's a win-win. Plus, it frees up staff to focus on what they do best: providing direct patient care. This is a great example of how AI algorithms can improve healthcare.

Imagine a future where technology handles the routine tasks, allowing doctors and nurses to spend more time with patients, addressing their concerns, and providing personalized care. That's the promise of voice AI, and Geisinger is already seeing it come to life.

Here's a quick look at some potential benefits:

  • Reduced surgery cancellations due to non-compliance.

  • Improved patient satisfaction.

  • More efficient use of staff time.

  • Better overall patient outcomes.

Want to know how we're making a real difference in healthcare? We're helping patients get much better care, and it's easier than you think. Find out more about how we're achieving significant improvements in patient outcomes by visiting our website today!

Conclusion

So, what does all this mean for Geisinger? Well, it shows that using voice AI for those pre-surgery calls really made a difference. They got more people ready for their operations, which is a big deal. It's not just about making things easier; it's about helping patients get better outcomes. This kind of technology can change how hospitals work, making things smoother for everyone involved. It's a good example of how new tools can help improve patient care in a real way.

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