AI can Relieve the Burden on Clinicians and Administration
Access to medical knowledge and decision-making support through AI can help reduce treatment errors, says Florian Schwiecker from Corti in an interview.
What are the risks and specific challenges of using AI in the healthcare sector?
Florian Schwiecker: The primary goal of AI in healthcare is to alleviate the administrative workload for medical professionals. However, the healthcare sector is highly regulated, with stringent requirements that must be considered. Many providers use ChatGPT or solutions based on it, but if these tools are not specifically developed for the rigorous demands of healthcare, the risk of inaccuracies increases—something that must not be tolerated.
Can certifications ensure compliance with legal requirements?
Florian Schwiecker: Certifications come with significant challenges. They require substantial investments in security infrastructure, regular compliance checks, and continuous adaptation to evolving international data protection regulations. In Germany, beyond GDPR compliance, C5 certification and the ISAE 3000 audit for GDPR-related data are particularly important.
How can AI reduce the administrative burden in healthcare?
Florian Schwiecker: The increasing workload in healthcare makes it essential to either hire more staff or relieve existing employees of administrative tasks. AI plays a crucial role by augmenting—not replacing—human labor. It can automate routine tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time directly interacting with patients.
Are there medical applications for AI as well?
Florian Schwiecker: AI tools can access vast medical knowledge and assist in decision-making, helping to reduce treatment errors and improve healthcare efficiency. By expanding available resources, AI provides doctors with virtually unlimited opportunities to obtain second opinions. AI trained on patient interactions can automatically deliver the best recommendations for each patient in real time. From the first consultation onward, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy by incorporating precise medical data. By reducing errors throughout the workflow, the likelihood of follow-up visits decreases, easing the pressure caused by rising patient demands.
The emergency department at Eichsfeld Clinical Centre in Thuringia was one of the first to implement Corti’s AI platform. What has the experience been like?
Florian Schwiecker: Eichsfeld Clinical Centre began using Corti’s AI platform in early 2024, and it quickly became indispensable. Real-time processing has proven highly effective in practice. While doctors speak with patients, record data, and coordinate further treatments, the AI co-pilot assigns information to the appropriate categories, such as diagnostics and lab work. Automation enables the immediate generation of professional reports, significantly reducing the administrative burden on medical staff. The hospital aims to integrate Corti across all departments—from surgery to nursing—so that teams and the hospital as a whole can benefit from these significant advancements.
What are the requirements for implementing AI systems?
Florian Schwiecker: The complexity of the healthcare sector means there is no universal AI solution. However, ‘standard apps’ exist for smaller organizations with fewer integration needs. By offering API and app-based solutions, AI becomes more accessible for various providers. Highly customizable APIs facilitate seamless integration with existing healthcare platforms, such as electronic health records (EHRs).
A fundamental prerequisite is a sufficient level of digitalization, including the implementation of electronic patient records and adherence to interoperability standards such as FHIR. Without these foundations, it is difficult to harness AI’s full potential. However, simple, ready-to-use solutions are available for facilities with less advanced digital infrastructure or lower technical requirements.
Chief Partnerships Officer at Corti.
