ENHANCE Ontario is building a Safe Use of AI framework to help its seven member hospitals consistently evaluate and scale AI projects that deliver value, said Andrew Kelly, the organization's chief digital officer. The initiative aims to give hospital leaders a repeatable method for assessing whether an AI tool is safe, effective, and worth the investment before it reaches clinicians and patients.
A framework for safe AI adoption
The framework is designed to remove guesswork from AI procurement and deployment. Instead of each hospital creating its own evaluation process, the seven members will follow a shared set of criteria. Kelly described the goal as moving beyond pilot projects to broader adoption - but only when the evidence supports it.
Healthcare organizations face higher stakes than most industries when introducing AI. A flawed algorithm can affect diagnoses, treatment plans, or revenue cycle operations. A standardized framework reduces that risk by ensuring every project is assessed against the same safety and value benchmarks.
The role of the Chief Digital Officer
Kelly's leadership of the initiative reflects a growing trend: CDOs are now central to AI governance, not just IT infrastructure. The role demands a mix of clinical understanding, data literacy, and strategic planning. For CDOs stepping into this space, an AI Learning Path for Chief Digital Officers can help build the skills to lead responsible AI adoption.
ENHANCE Ontario's work also highlights how regional health networks can pool expertise. Seven hospitals working together can avoid duplicating effort and share what they learn about vendor claims, model performance, and integration challenges.
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
When a hospital adopts a Safe Use of AI framework, the tools that reach the bedside or the back office have already passed a rigorous, evidence-based review. That means fewer surprises for clinical staff and a lower chance that an AI system will create extra work or introduce safety gaps. Healthcare professionals who understand how these frameworks operate can advocate for tools that genuinely support their work - and push back on those that don't.
Your membership also unlocks:
