Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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Two ways AI is quietly revolutionizing patient care

When you hear “AI in healthcare,” you might think of robot assistants or complex algorithms crunching numbers for billing. While those are indeed applications of AI in healthcare, the true revolution is in the unexpected and creative ways AI is directly improving patient lives and empowering medical professionals. Let’s look at two incredible, real-world examples of how AI is making a tangible difference right now in healthcare.

Learning through play: The AI-powered game for kids with diabetes

For a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, learning about their condition and managing it can be overwhelming. It’s a world of new information, from understanding blood sugar levels to making smart food choices. A team at Harvard University realized that the best way to teach kids is often through play.

They developed an educational video game that uses the power of generative AI to create a personalized learning experience. Instead of just reading pamphlets or listening to explanations, children can interact with in-game characters who hold realistic, AI-powered conversations. The game teaches them about their condition, quizzes them on what they’ve learned, and even shows them images of culturally relevant foods to help them understand their dietary needs.

A tool like this offers incredible benefits:

  • Improved patient education and adherence – When children are engaged and understand their condition better, they are more likely to follow their treatment plans, which can result in better long-term health outcomes.
  • Personalized learning at scale – The AI can tailor conversations and lessons to each child’s individual needs and learning pace, providing a level of personalization that traditional methods rarely achieve.
  • Reduced burden on clinical staff – While not a replacement for medical advice, the game can handle a significant portion of the foundational education, freeing up nurses and doctors to focus on more complex aspects of care.
  • Increased patient and family engagement – A fun and interactive tool can make the entire family more engaged in the child’s care.

A “crystal ball” for doctors: Finding answers in patient data

Imagine a doctor treating a patient with a rare and complex condition. They know that somewhere in the hospital’s vast archives of patient records, there are clues from past cases that could help them make the best decision for the patient in front of them. The problem is that finding those clues is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, they’ve built a solution: a hybrid AI-powered search engine. It’s a specialized search tool for medical records that allows doctors to ask plain-language questions and instantly search through years of historical patient data. It can sift through both structured data (e.g., lab results) and unstructured data (e.g., doctor’s notes) to find patients with similar conditions and see what treatments worked, what didn’t, and what the outcomes were.

The benefits of this technology are transformative:

  • Data-driven clinical decisions – Doctors can make more informed decisions at the bedside by quickly accessing evidence from past cases, essentially learning from the collective experience of the entire hospital.
  • Improved treatment for complex cases – For rare diseases or unusual cases, this tool can provide invaluable insights that would otherwise be lost in the data, which could lead to better patient outcomes.
  • Faster and more accurate research – The ability to quickly find and group patients with specific criteria (i.e., creating patient cohorts) dramatically speeds up clinical research and the process of discovering new treatment strategies.
  • Personalized treatment planning – By understanding the potential treatment responses of similar patients, doctors can develop more personalized and effective treatment plans for their current patients.

These two examples show that the most exciting AI applications in healthcare are the ones that are deeply human. They are about empowering patients, supporting doctors, and ultimately, using technology to deliver better, more personalized care.

For any healthcare organization looking to the future, the question isn’t if you should adopt AI, but how you can use it to solve the real-world challenges you and your patients face every day. If you want to learn more about leveraging AI and other technologies in healthcare, contact our experts today.

Two healthcare AI innovations you need to know about

The phrase “AI in healthcare” often brings to mind back-office tasks, such as optimizing schedules, automating billing, or managing administrative workflows. While those AI-enabled applications are important, they barely scratch the surface of AI’s potential. The most exciting transformations aren’t happening on a spreadsheet but at the patient’s bedside and in the hands of children learning to manage their health. Let’s explore two profoundly human-centered AI tools that are already reshaping what’s possible in patient care.

Learning through play: The AI-powered game for kids with diabetes

For a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, learning about their condition and managing it can be overwhelming. It’s a world of new information, from understanding blood sugar levels to making smart food choices. A team at Harvard University realized that the best way to teach kids is often through play.

They developed an educational video game that uses the power of generative AI to create a personalized learning experience. Instead of just reading pamphlets or listening to explanations, children can interact with in-game characters who hold realistic, AI-powered conversations. The game teaches them about their condition, quizzes them on what they’ve learned, and even shows them images of culturally relevant foods to help them understand their dietary needs.

A tool like this offers incredible benefits:

  • Improved patient education and adherence – When children are engaged and understand their condition better, they are more likely to follow their treatment plans, which can result in better long-term health outcomes.
  • Personalized learning at scale – The AI can tailor conversations and lessons to each child’s individual needs and learning pace, providing a level of personalization that traditional methods rarely achieve.
  • Reduced burden on clinical staff – While not a replacement for medical advice, the game can handle a significant portion of the foundational education, freeing up nurses and doctors to focus on more complex aspects of care.
  • Increased patient and family engagement – A fun and interactive tool can make the entire family more engaged in the child’s care.

A “crystal ball” for doctors: Finding answers in patient data

Imagine a doctor treating a patient with a rare and complex condition. They know that somewhere in the hospital’s vast archives of patient records, there are clues from past cases that could help them make the best decision for the patient in front of them. The problem is that finding those clues is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, they’ve built a solution: a hybrid AI-powered search engine. It’s a specialized search tool for medical records that allows doctors to ask plain-language questions and instantly search through years of historical patient data. It can sift through both structured data (e.g., lab results) and unstructured data (e.g., doctor’s notes) to find patients with similar conditions and see what treatments worked, what didn’t, and what the outcomes were.

The benefits of this technology are transformative:

  • Data-driven clinical decisions – Doctors can make more informed decisions at the bedside by quickly accessing evidence from past cases, essentially learning from the collective experience of the entire hospital.
  • Improved treatment for complex cases – For rare diseases or unusual cases, this tool can provide invaluable insights that would otherwise be lost in the data, which could lead to better patient outcomes.
  • Faster and more accurate research – The ability to quickly find and group patients with specific criteria (i.e., creating patient cohorts) dramatically speeds up clinical research and the process of discovering new treatment strategies.
  • Personalized treatment planning – By understanding the potential treatment responses of similar patients, doctors can develop more personalized and effective treatment plans for their current patients.

These two examples show that the most exciting AI applications in healthcare are the ones that are deeply human. They are about empowering patients, supporting doctors, and ultimately, using technology to deliver better, more personalized care.

For any healthcare organization looking to the future, the question isn’t if you should adopt AI, but how you can use it to solve the real-world challenges you and your patients face every day. If you want to learn more about leveraging AI and other technologies in healthcare, contact our experts today.

How AI is powering personalized patient care

There’s a common fear that technology, especially AI, will make healthcare feel cold and impersonal. But what if the opposite were true? What if AI could be used to make healthcare more personalized, empathetic, and attuned to individual patient needs? Well, it can. We’re going to introduce you to two powerful examples that prove technology can be the key to a more connected and effective healthcare experience.

Learning through play: The AI-powered game for kids with diabetes

For a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, learning about their condition and managing it can be overwhelming. It’s a world of new information, from understanding blood sugar levels to making smart food choices. A team at Harvard University realized that the best way to teach kids is often through play.

They developed an educational video game that uses the power of generative AI to create a personalized learning experience. Instead of just reading pamphlets or listening to explanations, children can interact with in-game characters who hold realistic, AI-powered conversations. The game teaches them about their condition, quizzes them on what they’ve learned, and even shows them images of culturally relevant foods to help them understand their dietary needs.

A tool like this offers incredible benefits:

  • Improved patient education and adherence – When children are engaged and understand their condition better, they are more likely to follow their treatment plans, which can result in better long-term health outcomes.
  • Personalized learning at scale – The AI can tailor conversations and lessons to each child’s individual needs and learning pace, providing a level of personalization that traditional methods rarely achieve.
  • Reduced burden on clinical staff – While not a replacement for medical advice, the game can handle a significant portion of the foundational education, freeing up nurses and doctors to focus on more complex aspects of care.
  • Increased patient and family engagement – A fun and interactive tool can make the entire family more engaged in the child’s care.

A “crystal ball” for doctors: Finding answers in patient data

Imagine a doctor treating a patient with a rare and complex condition. They know that somewhere in the hospital’s vast archives of patient records, there are clues from past cases that could help them make the best decision for the patient in front of them. The problem is that finding those clues is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, they’ve built a solution: a hybrid AI-powered search engine. It’s a specialized search tool for medical records that allows doctors to ask plain-language questions and instantly search through years of historical patient data. It can sift through both structured data (e.g., lab results) and unstructured data (e.g., doctor’s notes) to find patients with similar conditions and see what treatments worked, what didn’t, and what the outcomes were.

The benefits of this technology are transformative:

  • Data-driven clinical decisions – Doctors can make more informed decisions at the bedside by quickly accessing evidence from past cases, essentially learning from the collective experience of the entire hospital.
  • Improved treatment for complex cases – For rare diseases or unusual cases, this tool can provide invaluable insights that would otherwise be lost in the data, which could lead to better patient outcomes.
  • Faster and more accurate research – The ability to quickly find and group patients with specific criteria (i.e., creating patient cohorts) dramatically speeds up clinical research and the process of discovering new treatment strategies.
  • Personalized treatment planning – By understanding the potential treatment responses of similar patients, doctors can develop more personalized and effective treatment plans for their current patients.

These two examples show that the most exciting AI applications in healthcare are the ones that are deeply human. They are about empowering patients, supporting doctors, and ultimately, using technology to deliver better, more personalized care.

For any healthcare organization looking to the future, the question isn’t if you should adopt AI, but how you can use it to solve the real-world challenges you and your patients face every day. If you want to learn more about leveraging AI and other technologies in healthcare, contact our experts today.

How dual monitors can improve the way you work

Struggling to manage multiple tabs and windows? Dual monitors offer an effective solution to streamline your workflow, boost multitasking, and improve organization in your workspace. With just one additional screen, you can greatly enhance your productivity. Let’s take a closer look at how dual monitors can revolutionize your workspace.

A more organized workspace

Dual monitors give you the ability to create a more structured and efficient workspace based on your workflow. For example, you can designate one screen for communication tools such as email, chat, or video calls, and use the other for focused tasks such as writing, data analysis, or research. By clearly separating tasks, you reduce clutter, minimize distractions, and improve overall organization, allowing you to manage your workload more effortlessly.

Boosted workflow and seamless multitasking

A Harvard Business Review study involving Fortune 500 companies found that toggling between applications and mentally reacclimating to each window cost the average user four hours per week, equivalent to five working weeks annually.

Dual screens eliminate the need to constantly switch between windows; just a quick tilt of your head or glance is all it takes to access what you need. This seamless setup not only saves time but also minimizes mental strain, boosting productivity. At the same time, by cutting out the disruptions of toggling between windows and offering a clear view of all open applications, dual monitors make it easier to stay focused on multiple tasks simultaneously.

For example, a software developer can dedicate one screen to their code editor and the other to the application they’re developing or debugging. This setup makes the debugging process more efficient by allowing the developer to view both the code and its output simultaneously.

Enhanced team collaboration and communication

Dual monitors create an ideal setup for video conferencing and team collaboration since you no longer need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. One screen can display video calls, while the other can show presentations or documents, leading to smoother, more focused discussions.

Simplified comparisons

Dual monitors are particularly useful for tasks that involve comparison. Having everything visible at once allows you to easily spot differences and make informed decisions without switching between windows or missing important details. For example, when working with spreadsheets — such as monthly budgets or performance reports — seeing them side-by-side makes it easier to identify trends and discrepancies at a glance.

Improved ergonomics and comfort

Traditional single-monitor setups often lead to awkward head and neck positioning as users twist or strain their bodies to view different applications or windows. This can cause discomfort and even long-term health issues such as eye strain, neck pain, and back discomfort.

A dual-monitor setup allows you to position your screens more naturally, reducing the need for constant adjustments or uncomfortable movements.

Work-life balance

Dual monitors help establish a clear separation between work and personal activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By dedicating one screen to professional tasks and the other to personal activities such as social media, streaming, or shopping, you can stay focused on work when needed.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up dual monitors. Modern computers, whether desktops or laptops, often support dual monitor configurations. If you’re unsure how to get started, consult with one of our professionals to help you choose and set up the right monitors based on your workspace.

Why two screens are better than one: The business benefits of dual monitors

Do you find it difficult to stay focused because you’re frequently switching between multiple windows? Dual monitors offer a simple yet effective solution to enhance your workflow. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of dual monitors and how they can help create a more intuitive and efficient workspace.

A more organized workspace

Dual monitors give you the ability to create a more structured and efficient workspace based on your workflow. For example, you can designate one screen for communication tools such as email, chat, or video calls, and use the other for focused tasks such as writing, data analysis, or research. By clearly separating tasks, you reduce clutter, minimize distractions, and improve overall organization, allowing you to manage your workload more effortlessly.

Boosted workflow and seamless multitasking

A Harvard Business Review study involving Fortune 500 companies found that toggling between applications and mentally reacclimating to each window cost the average user four hours per week, equivalent to five working weeks annually.

Dual screens eliminate the need to constantly switch between windows; just a quick tilt of your head or glance is all it takes to access what you need. This seamless setup not only saves time but also minimizes mental strain, boosting productivity. At the same time, by cutting out the disruptions of toggling between windows and offering a clear view of all open applications, dual monitors make it easier to stay focused on multiple tasks simultaneously.

For example, a software developer can dedicate one screen to their code editor and the other to the application they’re developing or debugging. This setup makes the debugging process more efficient by allowing the developer to view both the code and its output simultaneously.

Enhanced team collaboration and communication

Dual monitors create an ideal setup for video conferencing and team collaboration since you no longer need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. One screen can display video calls, while the other can show presentations or documents, leading to smoother, more focused discussions.

Simplified comparisons

Dual monitors are particularly useful for tasks that involve comparison. Having everything visible at once allows you to easily spot differences and make informed decisions without switching between windows or missing important details. For example, when working with spreadsheets — such as monthly budgets or performance reports — seeing them side-by-side makes it easier to identify trends and discrepancies at a glance.

Improved ergonomics and comfort

Traditional single-monitor setups often lead to awkward head and neck positioning as users twist or strain their bodies to view different applications or windows. This can cause discomfort and even long-term health issues such as eye strain, neck pain, and back discomfort.

A dual-monitor setup allows you to position your screens more naturally, reducing the need for constant adjustments or uncomfortable movements.

Work-life balance

Dual monitors help establish a clear separation between work and personal activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By dedicating one screen to professional tasks and the other to personal activities such as social media, streaming, or shopping, you can stay focused on work when needed.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up dual monitors. Modern computers, whether desktops or laptops, often support dual monitor configurations. If you’re unsure how to get started, consult with one of our professionals to help you choose and set up the right monitors based on your workspace.

The advantages of a dual monitor setup for work

Are you having trouble managing multiple tabs, searching for that one elusive document, or keeping track of countless open windows? By adding just one more screen, you can significantly improve your workspace. Let’s explore the advantages of dual monitors and how they can streamline your daily tasks.

A more organized workspace

Dual monitors give you the ability to create a more structured and efficient workspace based on your workflow. For example, you can designate one screen for communication tools such as email, chat, or video calls, and use the other for focused tasks such as writing, data analysis, or research. By clearly separating tasks, you reduce clutter, minimize distractions, and improve overall organization, allowing you to manage your workload more effortlessly.

Boosted workflow and seamless multitasking

A Harvard Business Review study involving Fortune 500 companies found that toggling between applications and mentally reacclimating to each window cost the average user four hours per week, equivalent to five working weeks annually.

Dual screens eliminate the need to constantly switch between windows; just a quick tilt of your head or glance is all it takes to access what you need. This seamless setup not only saves time but also minimizes mental strain, boosting productivity. At the same time, by cutting out the disruptions of toggling between windows and offering a clear view of all open applications, dual monitors make it easier to stay focused on multiple tasks simultaneously.

For example, a software developer can dedicate one screen to their code editor and the other to the application they’re developing or debugging. This setup makes the debugging process more efficient by allowing the developer to view both the code and its output simultaneously.

Enhanced team collaboration and communication

Dual monitors create an ideal setup for video conferencing and team collaboration since you no longer need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. One screen can display video calls, while the other can show presentations or documents, leading to smoother, more focused discussions.

Simplified comparisons

Dual monitors are particularly useful for tasks that involve comparison. Having everything visible at once allows you to easily spot differences and make informed decisions without switching between windows or missing important details. For example, when working with spreadsheets — such as monthly budgets or performance reports — seeing them side-by-side makes it easier to identify trends and discrepancies at a glance.

Improved ergonomics and comfort

Traditional single-monitor setups often lead to awkward head and neck positioning as users twist or strain their bodies to view different applications or windows. This can cause discomfort and even long-term health issues such as eye strain, neck pain, and back discomfort.

A dual-monitor setup allows you to position your screens more naturally, reducing the need for constant adjustments or uncomfortable movements.

Work-life balance

Dual monitors help establish a clear separation between work and personal activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By dedicating one screen to professional tasks and the other to personal activities such as social media, streaming, or shopping, you can stay focused on work when needed.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up dual monitors. Modern computers, whether desktops or laptops, often support dual monitor configurations. If you’re unsure how to get started, consult with one of our professionals to help you choose and set up the right monitors based on your workspace.

How to prevent costly VoIP downtime

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems have emerged as a vital communication tool for businesses of all sizes. However, when these systems fail, it can negatively impact operations, productivity, and customer relationships. To prevent costly downtime, consider these seven strategies for keeping your VoIP system running smoothly and your business connected.

Pick a dependable VoIP service provider

A reliable VoIP system starts with selecting the right provider. The quality of service among VoIP providers can vary significantly. Some may struggle with uptime reliability or lack robust security features. Partner with a provider offering strong uptime guarantees, regular maintenance, and comprehensive security protocols. Reviewing their service level agreements and reading customer reviews can help you gauge their reliability and performance.

Keep your hardware and software up to date

Outdated hardware and software are often the culprits behind VoIP service disruptions. That’s why it’s important to regularly update your network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to the latest models and software versions. Additionally, always run the most current version of your VoIP application. Staying up to date not only enhances performance but also strengthens security by addressing vulnerabilities that hackers frequently exploit in outdated systems.

Set up a secondary internet connection for backup

When your VoIP system depends on a single internet connection, any unexpected outage can bring business communications to a complete halt. To avoid this, implement a secondary internet line with a different service provider. This way, if your primary connection goes down, your VoIP system can automatically switch to the backup, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

Set up call forwarding and failover protocols

In the event of a VoIP system outage, having a reliable plan to reroute incoming calls is critical. Implement call forwarding protocols so you can redirect calls to alternative destinations such as mobile phones, backup VoIP lines, or voicemail. Automatic call forwarding keeps your team connected with clients and partners, minimizing service interruption.

Perform routine network health checks

Effective network monitoring is key to preventing VoIP downtime. Regularly assess your network using tools such as network analyzers or VoIP-specific monitoring software. Doing so helps you identify and proactively address potential issues, such as bandwidth limitations, network congestion, or latency problems, that could degrade VoIP call quality and disrupt communication.

Prioritize VoIP traffic with quality of service (QoS) protocols

Network congestion can impact VoIP call quality. To make sure VoIP calls remain crystal-clear and uninterrupted, implement QoS protocols on your network. QoS works by prioritizing VoIP traffic, allocating sufficient bandwidth to prevent issues such as dropped calls, delays, or poor audio quality caused by heavy network usage.

Use mobile apps for VoIP communication

When your primary internet connection fails, use mobile apps to stay connected. Many VoIP providers offer apps that turn smartphones into portable VoIP devices, allowing calls through mobile data. While this option might incur additional charges, it keeps you connected when other backup plans are unavailable.

Don’t wait for downtime to disrupt your operations. Take proactive steps today so your business stays connected and communication runs seamlessly.

If you’re looking to optimize your VoIP system, get in touch with our experts for tailored guidance and support.