PRHI Board Explores Pittsburgh’s Potential As the Epicenter for Self-Directed Patient Safety Technology
Type: News
Focus Area: Patient Safety
PRHI Board members discuss projects underway that make Pittsburgh the epicenter of self-directed patient safety tech.
The Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI) Board of Directors met October 28 for a forward-looking and forward-thinking meeting focused on leveraging Pittsburgh’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize patient safety and propel Pittsburgh to the forefront of the discussion of use of patient safety technology in health care.
Led by Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD, President and CEO of PRHI, a discussion was held to explore Pittsburgh’s place as a hub for self-directed patient safety technology.
Rema Padman, a Trustees Professor at CMU, showcased her research on digital health literacy solutions, including current work to study and experiment with AI’s role in enhancing patient safety. Currently, her students are exploring this by analyzing the effectiveness of YouTube videos to enhance patient care. She also highlighted the potential for AI-enabled Medication Reconciliation tools that directly inform patients of critical medication-related safety issues.
Rayid Ghani, a Distinguished Career Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, discussed how machine learning could empower patients to prevent harm by utilizing AI-driven tools, stressing that it requires a look at human factors studies to determine if the amount of work we are asking clinicians to do is exceeding their cognitive capability and requires a deep reflection on the system itself.
The following Board discussion, moderated by Dr. Feinstein, prompted Board members to consider the regional assets that could support further research, development, and commercialization of patient safety technology. In discussing the effectiveness of AI in health care, a spirited discussion among Board members identified the need for providers to analyze and reflect on their current systems and processes, stressing that adding AI to a broken system will not allow it to operate to its fullest potential. Board members also discussed the importance of a pragmatic, human-centered approach to how technology and process change can bring equity into care.
Before the discussion, David Classen, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah Health, shared insights into patient-led safety initiatives and how patients can take a more active role in the safety of their care through technology, citing a successful Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded patient safety pilot program as an example. The project aims to share real-time safety information with patients, families, and caregivers across multiple platforms as part of their own integrated care across the continuum of care.
Ari Lightman, a Distinguished Service Professor at CMU, provided an update on the AI Patient Safety Summit set for 2025 in Pittsburgh. The event will spotlight Pittsburgh’s AI capabilities and attract strategic partnerships. Lightman stressed there is long-term potential for commercializing patient safety technologies by building on Pittsburgh’s AI ecosystem.
Robert Ferguson, MPH, Chief Policy Officer, provided a briefing on recent federal patient safety initiatives, updating the Board on PRHI’s policy goals through 2024.
Dr. Feinstein previewed an upcoming trip to Japan, designed to explore potential research and development partnerships as well as policy and commercialization. She highlighted how lessons learned from Japan could shape PRHI’s agenda, especially regarding AI and patient safety technologies. Staff and guests will embark on their study tour in November.