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Diamars, 14 November 2023 AWEMainta INTERNATIONAL 35
Pioneering Dutch Hospital Utilizes
AI to Respond to Patients’ Queries
UMCG anticipates that this innovative system will signif-
icantly alleviate the administrative burden on doctors,
nurses, and healthcare providers. Chief Medical Information
Officer Tom van der Laan emphasizes the supportive role
of AI in healthcare, emphasizing that professionals remain
indispensable.
Patients submit over 1,200 written questions weekly to
UMCG, covering diverse topics such as pain management
and post-surgery activities. The AI-driven system, which has
undergone successful trials, ensures privacy by not being a
A groundbreaking initiative, Groningen University’s teaching self-learning system based on patient data.
hospital UMCG in the Netherlands is employing artificial
intelligence (AI) to address patients’ written questions, Similar systems in the United States have demonstrated
marking a first in Europe. positive outcomes, offering informative and empathetic
An AI application integrated into patients’ digital records responses. Van der Laan foresees an expanded role for AI
enables a chatbot to analyze relevant information and in healthcare, including creating patient-friendly summa-
formulate a response. This preliminary answer undergoes ries and generating discharge letters. The success at UMCG
verification by the respective healthcare professional before paves the way for the potential expansion of this system to
being dispatched. other hospitals in the Netherlands in the coming months.
Lowe’s Announces Additional Store
Closures Across Six Provinces in Canada
LOWE’S, the multinational home improvement retailer, is
set to close 34 stores in Canada early next year, comprising
26 Rona locations, six Lowe’s outlets, and two Reno-Depots.
This announcement follows a series of closures disclosed in
November 2018. Clearance sales for these affected stores
are scheduled to commence on November 21.
The provinces impacted by these closures include British
Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and
Nova Scotia. Lowe’s attributes the decision to underperfor-
mance, deeming the closures a “necessary step” to stra-
tegically restructure the business. The aim is to redirect
resources toward enhancing existing stores and capabilities. investments and fortify Lowe’s position in the competitive
retail landscape. Customers are encouraged to take advan-
This move underscores the company’s commitment to tage of the clearance sales, offering an opportunity to
adapting to market dynamics and ensuring long-term acquire products at discounted prices before the scheduled
sustainability. The restructuring strategy aims to optimize closures early next year.
