HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeking to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to safely enhance patient care, Hartford HealthCare has unveiled its Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare. The Center is the first of its kind in New England, and one of only a few in the United States.

The Center, a culmination of ongoing collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, formalizes HHC's dedication to AI advancements.

"AI stands poised to profoundly reshape healthcare delivery, impacting access, affordability, equity and excellence," says Barry Stein, MD, HHC's chief clinical innovation officer and leader of the Center. "Hartford HealthCare is uniquely positioned to continue defining the next frontier of AI in healthcare by unlocking its full potential in a trustworthy and responsible way."

Hartford HealthCare offers the ideal infrastructure to support the research and deployment of innovative approaches, says President and CEO Jeffrey A. Flaks.

"As we transform healthcare, we are taking new approaches to innovation. This center is poised to unlock the full potential of AI, ensuring that every algorithm is not just intelligent, but empathetic and ethical," says Flaks. "We are committed to pioneering safe, effective and affordable solutions that revolutionize patient care while advancing clinicians' expertise."

Five key elements
The Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare has five foundational elements:

Collaboration and partnerships: Assembling an ecosystem of world-class AI partners including MIT, the University of Oxford and Google Cloud.
Research and innovation: Conducting groundbreaking AI research centered on healthcare applications and developing algorithms for safe real-world implementation.
Trustworthiness: Verifying and balancing innovation opportunities against potential risks of integrating AI into clinical practice through rigorous standards and governance.
Education: Equipping clinical and operational colleagues with the knowledge to leverage AI in a safe, trustworthy manner, and instruct others in its effective use.
Invention: Testing and developing new AI-enabled products that safely and responsibly drive improved health outcomes.
Strong track record
"Years of fostering an innovation mindset have accelerated Hartford HealthCare's portfolio of AI-related activities and capabilities," Dr. Stein says.

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