Three leading U.S. health systems—CommonSpirit Health, Rush University Medical Center, and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)—are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance surgical operations, improve efficiency, and support strategic growth across inpatient and outpatient settings.
CommonSpirit Health: System-Wide Optimization with AI
CommonSpirit Health, which operates 140 hospitals across 23 states, partnered with LeanTaaS to deploy the AI-powered iQueue for Operating Rooms platform. The initiative focused on improving operating room (OR) access and performance across 1,000 sites. Reported outcomes include:
- $40 million in additional revenue
- 16x return on investment
- 9% increase in staffed room utilization
- 153% increase in surgical blocks released
The strategy combined AI tools, automation, and organizational change management to drive sustainable improvements in perioperative operations.
Rush University Medical Center: Aligning AI with Enterprise Goals
Rush University Medical Center is integrating AI, robotics, and advanced anesthesia models to align perioperative operations with broader organizational objectives. Their approach includes:
- Predictive analytics to reduce surgical cancellations
- Workforce solutions to address staffing shortages
- Expansion of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) to meet patient demand and revenue targets
Janet Stifter, PhD, RN, Vice President of Hospital Operations for Perioperative and Interventional Services, emphasized scalable strategies that support both inpatient and outpatient surgical growth.
OHSU: Building an AI-Enabled Learning Health System
OHSU is developing one of the first AI-driven learning health systems in the U.S. through its Center for AI-enabled Learning Health Science. This initiative uses clinical data and AI tools to:
- Identify patterns in treatment outcomes
- Support clinical decision-making
- Improve care efficiency and equity
The system enables rapid testing of decision tools and fosters continuous improvement through real-world data analysis. The center is co-directed by Dr. David Dorr and Dr. Jeffrey Gold and focuses on ethical, patient-centered applications of AI.
Summary
These health systems are demonstrating how AI can be applied to surgical services to:
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Improve patient access and outcomes
- Support strategic growth in both hospital and ambulatory settings
As AI continues to evolve, its role in perioperative care is expected to expand, offering new opportunities for innovation across the healthcare landscape.