Defining AI’s role in clinical care 

AI in clinical care encompasses technology designed to simplify workflows, provide real-time decision support, and improve resident outcomes.  

AI is currently best viewed as an assistant to streamline routine tasks, and as these tools mature, we may see them take on even more sophisticated functions alongside care teams. It complements human judgment, empowering caregivers with critical insights without diminishing their essential role in compassionate, personalized care. As these tools evolve, ensuring they’re implemented with strong privacy safeguards and transparent performance measures will be key to maintaining trust between caregivers, residents, and families. 

Transforming documentation and EHR usability

AI enhances Electronic Health Record (EHR) documentation to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and usability. New automation tools and early AI-assisted documentation capabilities are being explored and deployed by EHRs to: 

• Validate completed clinical tasks quickly and accurately, ensuring thorough documentation and compliance. 

• Reduce the administrative burden on care teams, minimizing burnout and increasing confidence.  

• Improve data entry accuracy, minimizing costly errors or omissions. 

These advances depend on secure, HIPAA-compliant systems that protect resident information while streamlining workflows. As EHRs integrate AI, communities will also need clear metrics to validate the accuracy and reliability of automated documentation. Accurate and complete documentation means improved regulatory compliance, and reduced liability and risk for providers. 

This innovation is already improving outcomes today with DS smart®. It connects directly to your EMR, capturing vitals and clinical data in real time, eliminating duplicate logins and retyping. 

With DS smart®, your skilled nursing community can: 

• Eliminate redundant manual data entry for up to 40% time savings and fewer errors 

• Improve compliance with direct, at-the-source documentation 

• Access real-time data to enable faster, more informed decisions 

• Standardize workflows across staff and shifts so your team can focus on resident care 

As AI continues to evolve, solutions like DS smart® demonstrate the power of applied technology to enhance care team performance, streamline documentation, and improve care delivery. 

Enhancing clinical decision support 

Clinical decision support (CDS) powered by AI offers timely, informed assistance. Emerging AI-driven CDS systems can already: 

• Rapidly analyze vast clinical data, identifying trends or risks caregivers might overlook. 

• Proactively manage resident conditions, such as identifying individuals at risk for hospital readmissions, enabling early intervention. 

• Balance and standardize clinical knowledge, ensuring consistency in care delivery. 

One practical application is pac-IQ®, an AI-enabled referral management platform that helps streamline care transitions. By reducing manual review time from hours to minutes and automating eligibility checks and documentation, pac-IQ® supports fast, accurate admission decisions, empowering clinical teams with the data they need, exactly when they need it. 

These kinds of AI-enabled tools strengthen decision-making while enhancing operational efficiency. Building caregiver trust in these systems requires ongoing training and transparent performance measures to ensure accuracy and adoption. 

Revolutionizing medication management 

Medication management remains one of the most time-consuming and high-risk areas of clinical care. From ordering to administration, the process is complex, and any misstep can impact resident safety. 

AI is beginning to reshape this critical workflow with emerging capabilities that show strong potential to: 

• Automate medication workflows to reduce manual steps and minimize errors 

• Act as “another set of eyes,” offering accuracy checks, side effect alerts, and documentation reminders 

• Arm caregivers with the right information at the right time, accelerating issue resolution and ensuring timely medication administration 

While many of these tools are still in development or early adoption stages, they highlight a growing trend: using AI to reduce risk, increase accuracy, and free up time for hands-on care. At Direct Supply, we’re actively exploring and evaluating these innovations to help skilled nursing communities prepare for what’s next, while continuing to focus on safe, efficient care delivery. 

Building intuitive, supportive care environments 

AI extends beyond clinical systems to transform care environments. Integrating AI with building management systems provides: 

• Smart sensors and ambient monitoring technology that alert staff to safety concerns, like falls, without intrusive monitoring. 

• Predictive analytics anticipating resident needs, proactively adjusting lighting or climate control for comfort. 

• Enhanced workflow management, guiding caregivers through tasks based on real-time data. 

With any technology that collects and analyzes resident data, robust privacy protections are essential. Communities should pair these innovations with clear protocols and visible outcomes to reassure staff, residents, and families.  

As AI capabilities evolve, often faster than anticipated, we expect to see new applications that contribute to more intuitive and responsive environments that improve outcomes, significantly impacting resident safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. 

Robotics and adaptive technology 

AI-enabled robotics are emerging as powerful tools to address workforce challenges, reduce repetitive strain on caregivers, and enhance the resident experience. As this technology evolves, it’s increasingly being used to: 

To help communities turn these possibilities into outcomes, Direct Supply offers robotic meal delivery and cleaning solutions. These tools enable care teams to spend more time on resident care, while increasing consistency, reducing task load, and supporting a safer environment. 

These applications demonstrate the growing potential of robotics in skilled nursing and reflect our commitment to identifying and implementing practical innovations that improve care quality and operational efficiency. 

Your trusted partner in AI-Driven innovation 

Direct Supply partners with skilled nursing communities to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, delivering solutions that address today’s needs while adapting to the opportunities and challenges still on the horizon. Our deep understanding of clinical and regulatory challenges uniquely positions us to help your community effectively leverage AI, improving resident outcomes and operational efficiency.