Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health is partnering with Microsoft and Accenture on a multiyear initiative to consolidate its data systems, move key infrastructure to the cloud and introduce AI tools to improve clinical and operational workflows.
The initiative aims to develop a unified data platform using Microsoft Azure to replace siloed reporting systems and expand analytics capabilities across the organization, according to an Oct. 15 news release.
As part of the effort, UMass Memorial will transition data from its EHR, along with other clinical, operational and research data, to the Azure-based platform. The initiative is designed to give caregivers faster access to information and support quality and safety priorities, including reducing patient lengths of stay and administrative burden for caregivers.
Accenture will introduce agentic AI tools intended to automate complex workflows and generate insights from data that previously required significant manual effort. The health system also expects the modernization effort to improve security and reduce long-term infrastructure costs.
“As an academic health system and safety net provider, we are continuously looking for new ways to provide innovative care that meets the unique needs of our patients and supports the work of our talented caregivers,” Eric Dickson, MD, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, said in the release. “This partnership with Accenture and Microsoft will help us build a stronger foundation for how we deliver care today and in the future.”
The initiative is also expected to support greater data sharing and research collaboration with UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, for which UMass Memorial serves as the clinical partner. Microsoft’s integrated security platform will be used to help protect sensitive healthcare information and support data governance and regulatory compliance.
UMass Memorial is the largest nonprofit health system in Central Massachusetts, with more than 20,000 caregivers and 2,400 physicians.
The organizations did not disclose the financial terms of the partnership or a specific timeline for completing the initiative.
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