Revolutionizing Healthcare with RPA

Learn From the Success of VITAS Healthcare and the Surrey/Borders Partnership

Throughout the healthcare industry, where patient care extends beyond the confines of hospitals, the role of technology becomes paramount. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is proving to be a game-changer, offering unprecedented benefits in patient care coordination, efficiency, and innovation. In this article, we explore two remarkable success stories from VITAS Healthcare and Surrey and Borders Partnership, showcasing the transformative power of RPA in the healthcare industry.

VITAS Healthcare’s Journey:

VITAS Healthcare, a leading hospice care provider in the U.S., faced unique challenges in coordinating patient care delivered predominantly in patients’ homes across 14 states. Manual coordination, time-consuming paperwork, and fluctuating patient statuses were impeding efficiency. In collaboration with Microsoft, VITAS leveraged the Power Platform, specifically Power Apps and Power Automate, to create ‘Emmy’ – a centralized patient care coordination tool.

The implementation streamlined operational activities, improved user experience, and demonstrated the potential of digital workflows. ‘Emmy’ enabled real-time feedback among clinicians and managers, supported care coordination, and enhanced continuity of care. The platform’s success was marked by increased user adoption and leadership support, allowing VITAS to easily schedule and coordinate patient visits, ensuring proactive care delivery.

With a focus on citizen development, VITAS organized a hackathon that resulted in multiple Power Apps applications, contributing to the evolution of their center of excellence. The impact was profound – 92% of patient visits captured in Emmy, 60,000 weekly visits, and 300 interdisciplinary group meetings conducted weekly. Patrick Hale, CIO, emphasized the substantial savings and the positive direction towards revolutionizing patient care.

Surrey and Borders Partnership’s Innovation:

Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP), a UK-based health and social care provider, sought alternatives to standardized workflows in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing Microsoft Power Platform, the organization quickly deployed over 30 customized solutions to address specific health and care needs.

Starting with basic solutions on SharePoint Online, SABP’s success with a flu vaccination app caught the attention of senior stakeholders. Transitioning to Dataverse for better data management, SABP rapidly developed COVID-19 solutions, including ‘Local Track & Trace’ and ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ apps. The organization efficiently managed the pandemic, putting applications into production within days, rather than months.

Mike Cavaye, Deputy Chief Digital and Information Officer, highlighted the effectiveness of Power Platform in delivering cost-effective, customized solutions. SABP now uses over 30 Power Platform solutions in their day-to-day operations, with a significant improvement in vaccination rates.

The Power of RPA in Healthcare:

The examples from VITAS Healthcare and SABP underscore the potential of RPA in healthcare. Beyond patient care coordination, RPA in healthcare includes real-time inventory tracking, time and attendance management, supplier tracking, sales insights, invoice management, and more.

The healthcare automation market is poised for substantial growth, with the global market expected to reach $94 billion by 2033. The increasing adoption of AI-based automation reflects the industry’s recognition of the benefits it brings – improved timelines, enhanced access to care, and operational efficiency.

BHFE Solutions – Leading the Innovation Wave:

At BHFE Solutions, we believe in fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Our dynamic consultancy specializes in providing cutting-edge Smart Automation technology solutions for organizations across industries. Trusted by renowned companies, BHFE Solutions is committed to delivering superior results, emphasizing integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning.

The success stories of VITAS Healthcare and SABP exemplify the transformative impact of RPA in healthcare. As the industry continues to evolve, BHFE Solutions stands at the forefront, empowering organizations with innovative automation solutions to revolutionize patient care and operational efficiency.