Health authority interim CEO calls for further integration of AI into health care

Nova Scotia Health Authority Interim CEO Calls for AI Integration in Healthcare

In a recent panel discussion at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Karen Oldfield, the interim CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, emphasized the need for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the province’s healthcare system. While AI has already made its way into the healthcare system in small doses, Oldfield believes that more significant strides need to be taken in this area.

Oldfield stressed the importance of laying a solid foundation for AI integration in healthcare to unlock its full potential in areas such as predictive analytics, wellness, and precision medicine. She highlighted the potential of AI to enhance clinical efficiency and streamline administrative processes within healthcare facilities.

One of the key advantages of leveraging AI in healthcare, according to Oldfield, is its ability to identify populations or communities at higher risk of contracting certain diseases, such as specific types of cancer. By predicting these occurrences, healthcare providers can take proactive measures to address potential health issues before they escalate.

Oldfield proposed the establishment of a center of excellence dedicated to overseeing and researching AI in healthcare. This hub would serve as a focal point for advancing AI technologies in the healthcare sector and driving innovation in patient care.

Despite the ambitious vision for an AI center of excellence, Oldfield emphasized that its success would depend more on the expertise of individuals involved rather than the financial resources available. She underscored the importance of having skilled researchers who can harness data effectively to develop algorithms for predictive analytics and precision medicine.

While the concept of an AI center of excellence is still in its early stages, Oldfield has initiated conversations with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and various federal government officials to explore the possibility further. The potential benefits of integrating AI into healthcare are vast, and Nova Scotia is poised to lead the way in embracing this transformative technology for the betterment of patient care and outcomes.