Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare in profound ways, from AI-driven clinical protocols to facility management. While venture capital investment in AI for real estate lags behind other industries (see Figure 1), the potential applications in healthcare real estate management are significant. AI offers solutions for operational efficiency, cost savings, and facility optimization—essential benefits as healthcare executives face mounting labor shortages and capital constraints.
AI’s Role in Healthcare Real Estate
AI has already demonstrated its ability to boost net operating income in real estate by over 10%, according to McKinsey. By improving operating models, customer experience, tenant retention, and asset selection, AI empowers healthcare real estate leaders to leverage vast amounts of facility data to solve operational challenges effectively.
Kapil Lahoti, CBRE’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, underscores AI’s growing presence in healthcare facility management:
“We must get ahead of the labor problem. That’s why I see AI becoming the omnipresent facility manager.”
Opportunities and Challenges with AI Integration
The Good
AI offers transformative advantages for healthcare real estate:
- Data Consolidation and Analytics: Streamlines data management for actionable insights.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduces redundancies and optimizes resource allocation.
- Predictive Capabilities: Identifies issues before they arise, saving time and costs.
The Challenges
However, AI integration also presents hurdles:
- Data Quality: Ensuring consistent, accurate, and standardized data across facilities.
- Privacy and Security: Protecting sensitive healthcare data from breaches.
- Implementation Costs: Managing the high costs associated with AI adoption.
- Bias in Data: Preventing biases that could affect decision-making.
Jay Phillips of Mass General Brigham emphasizes bias-free data:
“We ensure we work with datasets that are free of biases and prejudices. It’s a prerequisite for AI adoption.”
Applications of AI in Healthcare Real Estate
AI can revolutionize healthcare facility management across several areas:
1. Predictive Maintenance
By analyzing sensor and historical data, AI predicts equipment failures, allowing proactive scheduling of repairs. This minimizes downtime and extends equipment lifespan. Lahoti highlights AI’s ability to streamline work orders:
“AI can remove duplicates and ensure one work order per task, saving time and resources.”
2. Energy Management
AI optimizes energy use by analyzing consumption patterns and adjusting systems in real-time. Benefits include:
- Reduced energy costs.
- Improved sustainability with a lower carbon footprint.
- Optimized HVAC, lighting, and energy schedules based on occupancy and weather.
3. Space Optimization
AI analyzes occupancy data to improve space usage and reduce costs:
- Tracks underutilized rooms or overcrowded areas.
- Enhances workflow by identifying bottlenecks.
- Uses predictive analytics to plan for future space needs.
Phillips adds,
“We leverage AI for market studies and patient attachment analytics, ensuring we build the right facilities in the right locations.”
4. Enhanced Cleaning
In a post-COVID-19 world, AI enhances cleaning efficiency and compliance:
- Schedules optimized cleaning based on facility usage.
- Deploys AI-powered robots for automated cleaning tasks.
- Tracks cleaning frequency to meet health guidelines.
5. Security
AI strengthens security systems with:
- Advanced surveillance and threat detection.
- Biometric access control for restricted areas.
- Real-time emergency response coordination.
6. Asset Management
AI provides real-time tracking of assets, reducing loss and ensuring accurate inventory management.
7. Communication
AI-powered chatbots handle employee and visitor inquiries, offering instant responses and personalized patient interactions.
Strategies for AI Adoption
To maximize AI’s potential, healthcare leaders should:
- Standardize Data: Ensure consistent data quality across all facilities.
- Pilot Projects: Start with small-scale implementations to test feasibility.
- Engage Stakeholders: Build understanding and buy-in among staff.
- Focus on Problems: Use AI to address specific challenges, as noted by Providence’s Chief Data Officer Mark Premo:“AI is a tool for problem-solving, not a solution for every issue. Be smart about when to use it.”
Conclusion
AI offers a powerful toolset for healthcare real estate management, driving predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, security, and operational excellence. While challenges such as data privacy and implementation costs remain, strategic adoption can unlock AI’s full potential.
With thoughtful planning and a focus on real-world applications, healthcare facilities can use AI to transform operations, optimize resources, and improve patient care.
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