Personalizing Medicine Through Data: How OSF Innovation Is Shaping the Future of Care

Overview

Health care is rapidly shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to one defined by personalization, prediction and prevention. Advances in AI, genomics and digital tools give providers a better understanding of each individual so they can tailor care accordingly. OSF Innovation, the transformative arm of OSF HealthCare, is using data to identify risk earlier and guide clinical decisions to create more proactive, personalized experiences for patients.

The Opportunity: Reimagining Care for the Individual

The future of health care lies in designing care around the individual rather than the average patient. Emerging technologies like generative AI, genetic testing and wearable devices are making it possible to deliver more precise, timely and meaningful care.

These innovations are empowering patients with greater insight into their health while equipping providers with the data to intervene earlier. As health systems harness their data and invest in new expertise, they are building a model of care that is more connected, efficient and compassionate.

OSF Innovation is bringing this future into the present through targeted pilot programs that demonstrate how data-driven insights can transform care delivery at scale.

Pilot 1: Using AI to Detect and Treat Familial Hypercholesterolemia

The Challenge

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that often goes undiagnosed. Left untreated, it causes dangerously high levels of LDL cholesterol and can lead to heart disease as early as age 30. Because symptoms are not always obvious, many patients remain unaware of their risk until serious complications arise.

The Solution

The Digital Innovation Development team at OSF Innovation developed an algorithm that analyzes electronic medical record (EMR) data to identify patients who may be at high risk for FH.

To further enhance detection, the team is collaborating with University of Illinois to develop an AI tool that can scan unstructured EMR data, like clinical notes, unlocking deeper insights and improving identification accuracy.

Results and Impact

• Nearly 400 patients in the Bloomington-Normal area were identified as potentially having FH.
• Of those, 136 were sent a text outreach with a link to more information about FH and its risks. The site also encouraged patients to schedule an appointment for genetic testing. The outreach had a 21% click-through rate.
• Patients diagnosed with FH will receive personalized care plans designed to lower their risk of early heart disease.

Why It Matters

This initiative demonstrates how AI can uncover hidden risk within existing data, shifting care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. By identifying patients earlier, OSF is reducing the likelihood of severe outcomes and improving long-term health.

Pilot 2: Advancing Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Through Data and Automation

The Challenge

Identifying patients at high risk for breast cancer requires careful analysis of personal and family history. Even when high-risk patients are identified, ensuring timely follow-up screening can be labor-intensive and prone to delays.

The Solution

OSF HealthCare implemented a breast cancer risk-assessment program across all mammography locations. Patients complete a brief survey during their mammogram, allowing clinicians to assess risk more comprehensively.

Those identified as high risk are offered a consultation with a provider to review their history. The provider may suggest genetic testing and add a breast MRI to their screening plan.

To make sure that high-risk patients enrolled in the breast MRI screening program were getting screened in the appropriate time frame, the Digital Innovation Development team introduced an automated digital platform that:

• Tracks when six months have passed after a mammogram
• Sends MRI scheduling reminders to patients
• Contacts them via their preferred communication method

Results and Impact

• High-risk patients receive personalized screening protocols, including additional imaging when appropriate. Automated scheduling ensures timely follow-up, reducing missed or delayed screenings
• Since the program launched, almost 60% of the patients who triggered an outreach completed an MRI.

Why It Matters

This program illustrates how combining data, patient input and automation can create a more seamless and personalized care journey. By identifying risk earlier and ensuring consistent follow-up, OSF is improving early detection and patient outcomes.

Building the Foundation for Personalized Medicine

Delivering personalized care at scale requires more than technology. OSF Innovation is helping build this foundation by:

• Unlocking the value of existing data within the health system
• Leveraging advanced tools like AI and automation to generate actionable insights
• Partnering with academic institutions to drive research and innovation
• Investing in a workforce equipped with data, clinical and technological expertise

Simulation and collaboration further accelerate progress, allowing innovations to be tested and refined in controlled environments before reaching patients.

The Future: Connected, Precise and Compassionate Care

This work reflects a broader vision of health care where patients feel known, providers feel supported and outcomes continually improve.

By combining AI, genomics and digital tools with a skilled workforce, OSF HealthCare is creating a system that:

• Anticipates patient needs
• Delivers more precise and effective treatments
• Enhances both the patient and provider experience

These pilot programs are early examples of what is possible when data is transformed into insight and insight into action. By leading this transformation, OSF HealthCare is setting the standard for a more proactive, individualized and compassionate model of care that meets each patient where they are and supports them every step of the way.