Mercy Health—Cincinnati First to Launch AI-Powered Digital Assistant to Transform Orthopedic Patient Journey
CINCINNATI, OHIO – December 3, 2024 – Mercy Health—Cincinnati is proud to announce the launch of "Catherine," an innovative conversational AI-powered digital assistant aimed at transforming how patients access information and resources when they have knee, hip, and shoulder pain. This cutting-edge platform facilitates empathetic AI-powered conversations that simplify the process of finding the right care at the right time. Catherine is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for patients to navigate and find the information they need.
Mercy Health's parent company, Bon Secours Mercy Health, developed the platform through their digital holding company, Accrete Health Partners, which is the health system's digital transformation engine. Accrete partners with and invests in digital innovators that work with clinical and operations leaders at Bon Secours Mercy Health to enable transformative digital solutions to come to fruition and to improve health care for patients, employers, and providers. Catherine was developed in partnership with Brado, and tailored to meet the needs of patients.
Mark Townsend, MD, MHCM, and Chief Clinical Digital Ventures Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) and Accrete Health Partners, saw the value of a deeper connection with patients and their needs outside of the four walls of a health care office. "For health systems like BSMH, conversational AI represents the modern era of patient engagement; it’s time to offer a solution that goes beyond what patients can currently access in Google searches or on social media platforms,” Townsend said.
At Mercy Health, the concept of accompaniment—walking alongside patients with empathy, compassion, and presence—has long been a cornerstone of care. By integrating this enduring principle into the digital age, Mercy Health aims to enhance patient experiences through the use of technology.
What distinguishes Catherine from other mass AI models is its foundation, built upon data points created by Mercy Health physicians, ensuring that patients receive reliable and relevant information tailored to their specific orthopedic needs. Unlike mass AI models, which may deliver incorrect information, Catherine uses human-centered design to provide high-quality, accurate insights for users from trusted medical professionals to help them with questions about common orthopedic pain, how to manage it, and what treatment options are available.
"Catherine was developed in collaboration with Mercy Health's orthopedic experts in the Cincinnati market," said Brian Gwyn, president of Mercy Health—Cincinnati. "Our team meticulously reviewed extensive data and submitted comprehensive information to help build the sophisticated data platform behind the technology. I'm proud of what they have accomplished and excited to see how this improves care for our community."
Mercy Health is the first health care system in the nation to launch an AI product of this nature, highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. The introduction of Catherine aligns with Mercy Health's mission to assist communities in navigating their health care options, thereby enhancing access to appropriate medical care. The platform is named in honor of the founders of the Sisters of Mercy, reflecting the organization's deep-rooted commitment to compassionate care.
Community members can easily access Catherine by visiting catherine.brado.ai for more information and support in their health care journey.
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About Mercy Health - Cincinnati
Mercy Health - Cincinnati is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry's quality, compassionate care is provided by over 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Cincinnati has served Greater Cincinnati for over 160 years. It provides an integrated network of leading physicians, compassionate caregivers, comprehensive services, and exceptional care at more than 180 regional locations. The Mercy Health – Cincinnati care network includes five award-winning hospitals, senior living communities, primary care and specialty physician practices, outpatient centers, fitness centers, and various outreach programs. Mercy Health - Cincinnati hospitals have earned national Truven Health Analytics' 100 Top Hospitals honors more than all other Cincinnati hospitals combined, placing them among the best hospitals in the nation. Truven has also named Mercy Health - Cincinnati as one of the nation's Top 15 health systems six times, which is more than any other health system in Cincinnati. In 2023, BSMH provided more than 600 million dollars in community benefits across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. In addition to charity care, BSMH invests in community benefit programs that address chronic illness, affordable housing, access to healthy food, education and wellness programs, transportation, workforce development, and other social determinants of health that directly affect the communities we serve. The Mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bringing good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying, and underserved. To learn more, visit mercy.com.