Dr. Zafar Chaudry, the Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Information Officer at Seattle Children’s, is at the forefront of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize healthcare. In part two of our Chief AI Officers in Healthcare series, Dr. Chaudry delves into the exciting AI implementations at Seattle Children’s and the impactful results being achieved by the clinical teams.
Seattle Children’s has been leveraging AI for several years, but recently made significant advancements by incorporating larger language models into their practices. One remarkable example of their AI utilization is in determining alternative methods to induce sleep in pediatric patients without using opioids. Traditionally, opioids were used for sedation in children, leading to potential addiction risks. Through AI analysis and collaboration with clinicians, Seattle Children’s successfully developed a non-opioid-based cocktail of medications that effectively manages pain and induces sleep. As a result, 100% of outpatient surgeries are now opioid-free, and 50% of inpatient surgeries follow suit.
Moreover, Seattle Children’s neurosurgeons have utilized AI to predict the risk of postoperative strokes in pediatric patients undergoing brain surgery. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data and implementing AI algorithms, the clinical team can predict strokes with high accuracy, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.
As the Chief AI Officer, Dr. Chaudry oversees various aspects of AI implementation at Seattle Children’s. His responsibilities include ensuring data accuracy, maintaining secure data storage, providing necessary computing infrastructure, and collaborating with clinicians to identify and address healthcare challenges. Dr. Chaudry emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between technology and healthcare professionals, as successful AI integration requires input and validation from subject-matter experts.
For IT executives aspiring to become Chief AI Officers in healthcare settings, Dr. Chaudry offers valuable tips. He advises focusing on understanding the latest AI technologies, establishing partnerships with technology vendors, and prioritizing collaboration with clinical teams. Additionally, enhancing influencing skills and providing training for existing team members on AI-specific skills are essential for successful AI leadership.
In the rapidly evolving field of AI, Dr. Chaudry underscores the significance of prompt engineering and personalized training to navigate the intricacies of AI technologies effectively. By investing time in mastering AI concepts and fostering a collaborative environment, IT executives can drive meaningful AI transformations in healthcare organizations.
For more insights on the innovative AI initiatives at Seattle Children’s, watch the exclusive video featuring the Chief AI Officer in action. Stay informed about the latest healthcare IT updates by following Bill Siwicki on LinkedIn and exploring HIMSS Media’s Healthcare IT News publications.
