How can we speed up the implementation of AI in healthcare, and what part should governments play in scaling these initiatives?
This was the question posed to members of Digital Health Canada’s CHIEF Executive Forum (CHIEF) at their most recent symposium, held in Vancouver in May 2024.
CHIEF offers a collaborative platform for senior professionals and leaders in digital health and healthcare. This forum enables the exchange of best practices and leverages collective expertise to shape the agenda for the effective use of information and technology to enhance health outcomes across Canada. During their bi-annual symposia, CHIEF
members engage in focused discussions, breaking into small groups to tackle various topics, opportunities, and challenges facing the healthcare industry on a national level.
Challenges and opportunities
CHIEF members recognize that the accelerated adoption of AI tools and solutions presents both significant challenges and immense opportunities across all jurisdictions. But are
there actionable strategies they could recommend to organizations wanting to venture into AI implementation?
The high points of the CHIEF symposium discussion were captured in a resource outlining concrete actions designed to foster the development of a cohesive national vision for AI in
healthcare. The aim is to align policies, strategies, and objectives across various regions and sectors, ensuring a unified approach to AI adoption and integration. Such alignment is crucial for maximizing the potential benefits of AI, such as improved patient outcomes, enhanced operational efficiencies, and reduced costs.
Turning AI principles into actionable strategies
The resource document—Turning AI Principles Into Actionable Strategies for Healthcare—encapsulates the discussions and deliberations of the digital health leaders who make up
the CHIEF Executive Forum membership group.
While this document is not intended to be a comprehensive or standalone guide, it lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, enabling stakeholders to drive forward the agenda for AI in healthcare.
By fostering an environment conducive to innovation through supportive policies and investment in infrastructure, governments can significantly influence the speed and
effectiveness of AI implementation in healthcare. The active participation of various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, technology developers, and policymakers, is essential for creating a robust framework that harnesses the
transformative potential of AI, ultimately leading to a more effective and equitable healthcare system.
Next on the CHIEF Executive Forum Agenda
The members of the Setting the Winning Conditions for AI-Powered Healthcare Working Group will collaborate to develop a list of key AI-related governance and operational
questions to ask the top five Canadian healthcare organizations currently utilizing AI. Their responses will be gathered in a publication to guide other organizations toward creating the right conditions to successfully implement AI solutions.
Learn more about the CHIEF Executive Forum.
