NOHIMSS AI COE Image

An update on the progress of the Northern Ohio AI Center of Excellence, as shared in our August 2024 newsletter:

A formal proposal for the establishment of the Northern Ohio AI Center of Excellence was presented to the NOHIMSS Board during their annual retreat on July 19.  Approval was obtained from all board members who were present, voting ‘yes’ to proceed with the implementation of the initiative, including the allocation of resources (including a starting budget of $5,000) and the formation of the necessary committee.  We will follow a structured approach to establish a strong foundation for the Northern Ohio HIMSS AI Center of Excellence, ensuring its successful launch and sustainable growth.  The presentation given by Board Members John Paganini and Jennifer Owens included an official Vision and Mission statement, along with the following benefit statement and strategic goals:

Benefits:

  • Improved Patient Outcomes through enhanced diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatment plans, and reduced healthcare disparities.
  • Increased Operational Efficiencies via optimized resource allocation, automated administrative tasks, and improved decision-making.
  • Enhanced Research and Innovation by accelerating research, exploring cutting-edge AI applications, and fostering knowledge sharing.
  • Strengthened Regional Economy through job creation, economic growth, and enhanced healthcare services.

Strategic Goals:

  • Facilitate collaboration among healthcare institutions, universities, government entities, and businesses.
  • Eliminate redundancy by streamlining AI efforts.
  • Promote innovation through continuous improvement and cutting-edge research.
  • Establish regional leadership in AI for healthcare on a national level.
  • Partners and Collaborators: Identification of potential partners including healthcare institutions, universities, government entities, and businesses.

In addition, a 4-6 month timeline with three initial phases has been drafted (subject to change as of this writing):

Phase 1: Planning and Approval (Month 1)

  • Seek formal approval from the Northern Ohio HIMSS Board (completed)
  • Confirm participation of steering committee members (in progress)
  • Finalize the mission and vision statements.
  • Determine focus group members and others whose input should be sought on mid-term goals for the COE (done - this will be CC/UH/Metro/VA/Summa, and representatives from the county and city)

Phase 2: Formation and Initial Setup (Months 2-3)

  • Form the steering committee and engage Northern Ohio HIMSS Advisory board.
  • Plan and hold 2-3 focus groups to solicit input from local healthcare and governmental perspectives. 
  • Develop a detailed budget and allocate the $5,000 for meetings and marketing.
  • Identify and consider other funding sources (grants, donations, sponsorships).
  • Define sponsorship levels.
  • Based on focus group feedback, determine a large deliverable for the COE such as a hackathon or conference.

 Phase 3: Awareness and Engagement (Months 4-6)

  • Launch marketing campaigns to raise awareness about the Center and its deliverables.
  • Project plan towards large deliverable in 2025-26. 
  • Host initial networking events and workshops to engage stakeholders.
  • Begin preliminary research projects and collaborations.

 

Click here to return to the main AI Center of Excellence webpage.