AI Is Changing Colon Cancer Screening and Easing Doctor Burden
- AI is transforming colon cancer screening methodologies dramatically.
- The USPSTF’s 2021 guideline modification impacts screening age.
- Sanford Health utilized AI to manage patient care effectively.
- Data analytics enhance identification of high-risk patients significantly.
- Ambient AI tools are improving doctor-patient interactions remarkably.
AI revolutionizes colon cancer screening practices
AI Transformation in Colon Cancer Screening AI is making waves in healthcare, particularly when it comes to colon cancer screening. In 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) dropped the recommended age for colorectal screenings down to 45, which had an immediate impact, especially in places like North Dakota, where colon cancer rates soar. “As the USPSTF moved the recommendation down to age 45, we gained 100,000 new people in our footprint that needed to be appropriately screened for colon cancer,” said Dr. Jeremy Cauwels, a hospitalist and chief medical officer at Sanford Health. This influx of patients didn’t come with a corresponding increase in gastroenterologists, leaving the hospital system to tackle this challenge head-on with artificial intelligence (AI).
The importance of data and analytics in screening
Easing the Pressure with Data-Driven Solutions Facing the reality of needing to manage a backlog of patients, Sanford Health’s leadership tapped into its data and analytics team. They scrutinized electronic medical records for valuable data points—about 85 items rolled into a risk score to help guide screening priorities. Dr. Cauwels emphasized, “While it doesn’t make decisions for the doctors, it can help understand the risk of the patient sitting in front of you.” This targeted approach revealed almost six times more high-risk patients, especially critical in places like Fargo, where there previously was an 18-month wait for colonoscopies. By using this AI-driven risk stratification, Sanford Health aimed to streamline the screening process, ensuring that those who needed immediate attention got the care they required sooner rather than later.
Enhancing physician experience with AI tools
Balancing Patient Care and Physician Workload Beyond identifying high-risk patients for colon cancer, Sanford Health is also piloting an ambient AI listening tool to alleviate the demands on physicians during patient visits. Designed to work like a virtual scribe, this tool allows doctors to engage more fully in conversations without straining under the burden of constant note-taking. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; every physician involved expressed their desire to retain this technology. Ninety-five percent reported reduced cognitive burden, and a notable majority said they enjoyed their work more post-implementation. Dr. Cauwels shared a poignant story about one physician who regained work-life balance with the tool—transforming his evening routine with his daughter from rushed stress to meaningful quality time. These developments coincide with the AMA’s broader mission to enhance physician well-being by alleviating administrative stressors and reigniting the joy of practicing medicine.
Sanford Health’s innovative use of AI in colon cancer screening is a shining example of how technology can reshape healthcare effectively. From refining risk assessment to improving patient-physician dynamics, the hospital is navigating the challenges of increased patient loads, all the while fostering a more enjoyable work environment for doctors. As AI continues to evolve, Sanford Health is marking its territory as a leader in physician and patient care, paving the way for a future where both can thrive together.