UVA Health is taking major strides to address both the evaluation of artificial intelligence technologies and the public health concerns surrounding bird flu.
Glenn Wasson, the analytics administrator at UVA Health, will be sharing insights at the HIMSS25 conference scheduled for March 4, 2025, focusing on the importance of evaluating AI vendors within healthcare settings. He emphasizes the necessity for healthcare organizations to establish effective governance frameworks to assess the risks and benefits associated with AI technologies.
During his session, titled "Dear AI Vendors: This Is What We Need," Wasson will discuss four key risk categories important for evaluating AI tools: correctness and transparency, fairness and equity, integrated workflow, and safety and privacy. This governance approach is intended to help health systems select AI tools more thoughtfully, ensuring they are safe, effective, and ethical for patient care.
Wasson elaborates, "Establishing a solid governance framework will allow healthcare organizations to utilize AI systems effectively," highlighting the impact of AI across various domains of healthcare—from patient diagnosis to resource management. His session will not only target technology specialists but also seeks to involve leaders and operators who can articulate the intended use of AI tools within their specific settings.
On another front, Dr. Patrick Jackson, also from UVA Health, provided updates about the risks posed by avian influenza during an online briefing. Jackson assures the general public, particularly those not working directly with birds or poultry, about the low risk of encountering bird flu. He stated, "If you don’t come directly in contact with cattle or birds, then I don’t think there are any recommendations" necessary for most people.
Jackson’s insights come as health officials encourage caution among those who might be at risk due to their occupations. He reassured citizens by stressing, "If you’re an office worker, or a plumber, or an electrician and you know birds are not part of your everyday life… I don’t think there’s anything you need to change about your life to protect yourself from bird flu right now."
Despite these reassurances, he noted the continued challenge facing the production and distribution of eggs due to the culling of commercial poultry flocks aimed to prevent the spread of avian influenza. He confirmed, "The nation’s food supply remains safe," but acknowledged the hurdles the industry faces.
Wasson and Jackson's efforts reflect the proactive measures being taken at UVA Health to navigate emergent risks through collaboration and informed discussions. Their combined presence at HIMSS25, as well as Jackson's public health briefing, underlines the dedication to both advancing healthcare technology and safeguarding community health.
With the dual focus on AI application and bird flu evaluation, UVA Health is exemplifying how healthcare can adapt to both technological advancements and public health challenges, ensuring patient and community safety remains at the forefront of their objectives.