INFORMATION SOURCES
Figure 2: Overview of the information repositories integrated into the
innex.ai database.
expert on Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), developed the platform,
innex.ai. At the heart of this AI-driven platform is a robust database coupled with a user-friendly chatbot interface. Working together with NHS England and IHEEM, the team has curated a range of repositories filled with essential regulations, guidelines, and best practices. The platform revolutionises the way users interact with information. Through a conversational interface, users can pose questions and refine their search by selecting specific types of documents – such as NHS guidelines, building regulations, or practitioner journals – or by focusing on particular domains such as decontamination, ventilation, or sustainability. This sophisticated hybrid search mechanism significantly enhances search precision. The AI ‘copilot’, a pivotal feature of
the platform, not only retrieves, but also summarises, the most relevant sections from the database. Moreover, it ensures that users have immediate access to the original documents by providing direct links to the relevant reference materials. This integration of advanced AI with user-centric design transforms the cumbersome process of information retrieval into a seamless and efficient experience. The introduction of the
innex.ai platform
represents a significant advancement in the efficiency of information retrieval for NHS EFM staff. In the study at the University of Cambridge, EFM staff participated in a structured experiment to measure the platform’s effectiveness. As part of the study, participants performed a baseline task without AI tools, followed by two further tasks – one with the
innex.ai platform and another without – covering topics such as hot water distribution and energy management. The study demonstrated that
innex.ai
enhances the speed of accessing information by an impressive 35%. Considering the 11 hours that staff spend weekly on such tasks,
innex.ai can save EFM staff up to four hours per week, freeing up nearly 10% of weekly staff time. This substantial time saving not only boosts productivity, but also allows staff to dedicate more time to critical operational tasks and patient care, rather than navigating cumbersome information systems. The potential cumulative impact across the NHS could lead to significant improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency, demonstrating the transformative power of integrating advanced AI technologies in healthcare administration. In addition to significant time savings, the study also showed that participants
who used
innex.ai saw a 53% increase in answer quality ratings compared with the control group. Hence, staff not only find information faster, but they are also much more likely to find the correct and evidence-based information. This has a substantial positive effect on decision- making in the NHS, leading to better compliance with regulations, enhanced patient safety, and more effective implementation of sustainability strategies – key areas of focus given the NHS’s ambitious Net Zero carbon targets and the existing £11.6 bn maintenance backlog. The platform contributes to workforce development initiatives, and reduces the time and costs associated with staff training and onboarding, especially for new staff members from non-healthcare backgrounds.
Figure 3: The desktop and mobile user interfaces of the
innex.ai platform enable efficient access to best practices and regulatory information for NHS staff.
Insights and opportunities from the Wales conference In May 2024, at the IHEEM Wales Regional Conference,
innex.ai showcased the transformative potential of its solution. The presentation and exhibition stand illustrated how this technology is pioneering the integration of siloed information sources into a unified, efficient system for knowledge sharing. Addressing critical issues such as patient safety, emergency preparedness, and the ambitious Net Zero carbon targets,
innex.ai demonstrated its significant impact on the NHS’s EFM sector. The conference not only served as a platform for demonstrating
innex.ai’s impact on the sector, but also underscored the importance of integrating lessons from both past and present to foster a more innovative healthcare estate. Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to sign up for a free account, enabling them to test the platform’s capabilities first-hand. This hands-on experience led to an exceptionally engaged Q&A session, where the potential of AI to drive significant collaboration among stakeholders – encompassing NHS Trusts, Authorising Engineers, professional and industry bodies, and many more – was discussed. The discussions on the exhibition stand explored how
innex.ai could become a cornerstone for an ecosystem of partners united by a shared commitment to compliance, sustainability, and efficiency. Such collaboration promises to enhance knowledge sharing and decision-making across the entire network.
innex.ai is currently being piloted at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The pilot provides users from the Trust’s Maintenance & Engineering team with access to the AI platform. The feedback from users is overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the platform’s impact on reducing the time spent searching for critical information. Users reported that
September 2024 Health Estate Journal 39
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