Nurses criticize AI scheduling tool's impact on workload and patient care

Nurses at HCA Healthcare, the largest U.S. hospital chain, are criticizing the AI scheduling tool Timpani, developed with Palantir, for worsening their workload and potentially harming patient care. Since 2023, HCA has implemented Timpani at 130 of its 190 locations, with Retzloff’s hospital adopting it nearly two years ago. Nurses report the tool frequently ignores their shift preferences, leading to back-to-back shifts and understaffing, particularly on Sundays. Retzloff, a National Nurses United leader, says the tool has caused delays in care for the sickest patients. HCA claims nursing leaders make final scheduling decisions and that Timpani improves efficiency, but nurses say they now face more scheduling conflicts and have to make last-minute adjustments. HCA’s spokesperson, Harlow Sumerford, defends the tool, stating it helps match caregivers with patient needs. However, nurses like Lee Barker say they are now working on days they were supposed to be off, impacting their ability to attend medical appointments. Complaints have led to minor software updates, but issues persist. National Nurses United leaders say HCA has rejected their requests for information about the technology. Meanwhile, Palantir’s sales have nearly doubled, with healthcare providers increasingly adopting its tools despite concerns over data privacy and oversight.