In Southern Ohio Medical Center’s vision for the future, the role of AI stands as a transformative technology that enables safer, smarter, and more connected healthcare. With it, we hope to create a healthcare environment where technology and human expertise work together to deliver exceptional care while managing the highest standards of trust, security, and compassion.
When MEDITECH approached us to participate in the Ask Expanse pilot program, we were thrilled to join. Ask Expanse is an interactive AI-powered tool that enables clinicians to ask questions and take action at the point of care. As clinical information specialists, we see pilot programs as an exciting chance to be at the forefront of innovation and frame its development. The pilot program began in June, and our overarching goal was simple: when the pilot program ends, we want pilot users to say “When do we get it back?”
While the Expanse platform includes an existing search feature, the Ask Expanse tool brings search to a whole new level. At its core, the chatbot offers a comprehensive summary of a patient’s history. As an AI-powered chatbot, clinicians’ queries can dive deeper. We’ve observed our clinicians entering queries such as:
These types of targeted questions help clinicians cut through the noise of a dense chart, allowing them to focus less on searching the record and more on the patient sitting before them.
Our clinical IT or CIS team enjoyed working with MEDITECH because they embraced the same approach to testing: open exploration.
After choosing an initial user group of two specialties, we sent them off to the “wild west” to explore the functionalities of Ask Expanse. Users were provided a summary of the tool’s features but no prompts — our team wanted to see how they naturally handled it, and MEDITECH similarly encouraged us to go “rogue.” After all, this application of AI only searches for data that already exists in the EHR; it doesn't alter it. It allowed staff an opportunity to intuitively adapt it into their workflows and test the limitations of the chatbot. Additionally, the program helped develop a word-of-mouth interest. While our pilot team was a small sample, we’ve already noticed them sharing it with colleagues, who then requested to join.
Including users from different generations helped us get a much fuller picture of how the tool fits into daily practice. Search is being used in everyday life with widely popular tools like ChatGPT. Younger, tech-savvy providers are especially versed in similar AI chats, but every tool requires testing to learn its query style.
Weekly meetings with MEDITECH allowed us to work hand-in-hand, and their developers welcomed direct end-user feedback. Another plus to piloting we enjoyed: one-on-one attention from vendors. MEDITECH’s willingness to listen and adjust allowed us to develop a close relationship while also increasing the user’s trust.
One hospitalist, when covering for colleagues, asked Ask Expanse to provide a one-paragraph summary of when the hospital started consulting a patient, who the first treating provider was, what surgeries have been performed, and their active issues. Ask Expanse provided a brief, concise summary of why the patient was there and what he needed to address to satisfy the appointment. Rather than combing the chart and reading through pages of notes, the provider saved time and maintained trust with the patient.
Want to see Ask Expanse in action?
Tim Lacey will be presenting at MEDITECH LIVE 26 on Tuesday, September 29 in one of the Early Adopter breakout sessions. Driven by our feedback, MEDITECH recently introduced multi-visit functionality, and we’ll be able to share more of its results at the event, plus a more in-depth look at how we’ve been leveraging this AI chatbot.
Join us to exchange ideas, gain actionable insights, and connect with peers who are redefining healthcare's future. Be part of the momentum at MEDITECH LIVE 26.