I am not, of course, advocating for a lack of governance. It is necessary for safe and responsible clinical AI implementation. What is debatable, however, is the best approach to this internal framework.
Ask four leaders how AI is governed at their health system, and you’ll likely receive four different answers. Case in point:
For an industry that leverages best practices, this lack of consensus on an effective approach to AI governance – largely driven by a “wait and see” view of federal and state regulations – is slowing down innovation.
A dedicated AI governance committee can offer deep expertise, focused attention and rapid decision-making given members’ familiarity with the technology and regulations. However, establishing and maintaining a dedicated AI governance committee can be resource-intensive and create unintentional silos.
Integrating AI into existing governance structures can streamline processes and align AI initiatives to broader organizational strategies. However, the potential for competing priorities within these committees may hinder the attention (and budget) required to address ever-evolving regulations and technology needs.
Ultimately, the best approach to AI governance is organization dependent. It should consider specifics, like facility size, technical capability, internal expertise and risk tolerance. With that said…
Most organizations have established clinical and operational governance processes, and these existing structures provide a solid foundation for incorporating AI considerations. Rather than creating a new workstream, focus on integration with existing processes to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
You can do this by:
By enhancing existing governance structures, you can effectively govern AI without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. This approach will enable your organization to stay nimble and reap the benefits of AI while mitigating risks and investing in ethical application.
Governance is a core pillar of organizational AI readiness, and it’s never too early to start thinking about how it will take shape. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or have a strategy already in place, we offer a collection of resources that help foster best practice sharing.
Aidoc experts, customers and industry leaders share the latest in AI benefits and adoption.
Explore how clinical AI can transform your health system with insights rooted in real-world experiences.
Learn how to go beyond the algorithm to develop a scalable AI strategy and implementation plan.
Explore how Aidoc can help increase hospital efficiency, improve outcomes and demonstrate ROI.
