Sword Health Launches AI Platform to Ease Healthcare Burnout

Recent data from the WHO shows nearly half of healthcare professionals experiencing burnout symptoms. Among nurses and doctors, the number rises to 66 percent.

Digital health platform Sword Health, known for using artificial intelligence in virtual physical therapy and pain management, has expanded its AI capabilities to support healthcare workers facing increasing burnout.

Through its new consumer-facing division, Sword Intelligence, the company has introduced AI Care Manager agents designed to streamline care coordination, cut down administrative burden, and help healthcare organizations operate more effectively.

"Demand for healthcare is increasing, but the ability to serve that demand is not keeping pace," said Virgilio Bento, founder and CEO of Sword Health. "Sharing the AI agents we built for ourselves felt like the natural next step. It's a way to help others manage their patient care more efficiently, without adding more administrative burden to already-stretched teams."

Burnout has become a widespread challenge in the sector. Recent data from the World Health Organization shows nearly half of healthcare professionals experiencing burnout symptoms. Among nurses and doctors, the number rises to 66 percent.

The National Institutes of Health reported that 72 percent of nurses missed necessary care tasks on their last shift due to lack of time or resources, while the National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that over 90 percent of nurses expressed intent to leave or retire within five years.

To ease pressure on staff, Sword’s AI agents will handle repetitive and time-consuming responsibilities such as triaging patient needs, checking eligibility, confirming appointments, coordinating follow-ups, and reaching out to high-risk patients.

"AI is freeing up clinicians to focus on where they're needed most," Bento said. "For healthcare at large, this means systems can handle growing patient demand without burning out their workforce, and patients experience faster, more reliable care."

Sword Health expects that reducing administrative strain will not only benefit staff but also improve patient outcomes through more consistent follow-ups and fewer missed cases. The company said the AI agents comply with HIPAA and Health Information Trust Alliance standards.

"AI's combination of operational efficiency and deep personalization is what makes the experience feel more human, not less," Bento said. "Ultimately, it creates a sustainable healthcare system where patients receive better experiences and clinicians can focus on what they do best, delivering real care."

Highlighting the risks of unaddressed burnout, Bento added, "Incorporating AI into these processes closes the gaps that often lead to delays or missed care. When teams aren't constantly stretched thin managing administrative tasks, they can spend more time listening, explaining, and engaging with the people in front of them."

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