Artificial Intelligence at SAH

Janaury 23, 2024 – Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is proud to announce the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, marking a significant step forward in the ethical and secure use of AI technologies in healthcare. This new policy underscores SAH’s commitment to innovation, patient safety, and data privacy while leveraging the potential of AI to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, AI presents exciting opportunities to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes,” said Dr. Stephen Smith, VP of Medical Affairs at SAH. “Our new AI policy ensures that these tools are used responsibly, with the highest standards of privacy, transparency, and ethical practice.”

Key Features of the AI Policy:

  • Ethical and Transparent Use: AI technologies will be deployed with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes while maintaining transparency and accountability.
  • Data Privacy and Security: Strict measures ensure the protection of Personal Health Information (PHI) and Corporate Confidential Information (CCI).
  • Patient-Centered Approach: Patients will be informed about AI’s role in their care and will have the option to opt-out without any impact on treatment.
  • Human Oversight: All AI-assisted outputs, such as documentation, will be reviewed by healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance with professional standards.

The policy was developed in collaboration with SAH’s Information Technology, Privacy, Ethics, and Medical Affairs departments, drawing from best practices in AI governance. A mandatory training module will ensure all staff, physicians, learners and volunteers are equipped to comply with the policy.

This policy represents our proactive approach to integrating technology into healthcare responsibly, always safeguarding the trust and safety of our patients. SAH continually evaluates AI advancements to uphold our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care while ensuring the ethical and secure use of emerging technologies.

For further details, please visit https://sah.on.ca/about/artificial-intelligence/.