AI integration cautioned as Virginia government seeks rapid implementation for surveillance purposes, with a regulatory body sounding alarms over potential obstacles in the path ahead.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise healthcare for its veterans. AI is being utilised at various VA facilities nationwide, with a focus on identifying veterans at high risk of overdose and suicide.
However, not all sites are ready to implement AI due to infrastructure issues. To address these challenges, the VA has taken significant strides under the leadership of Charles Worthington and Gil Alterovitz, who serve as Chief AI Officers. They have been instrumental in creating AI strategies, accountability frameworks, and the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII) within the agency.
The VA's AI initiatives are not limited to risk identification. Many facilities are starting to use AI-assisted medical devices, while machine learning is being integrated into agency workflows and clinical care for earlier disease detection.
Yet, concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity persist, given the VA's extensive collection of medical data. Existing federal AI policy could present obstacles, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT acquisitions. The GAO has outlined an "AI accountability framework" to address these issues.
Before an AI system is brought into production, it must pass stringent security and privacy checks. Creating a standard template for AI implementation across VA facilities is also suggested to address concerns about the agency's preparedness to deploy AI to its more than 170 facilities, which function as separate silos and do not communicate well with each other.
Scaling commercial AI tools brings new costs for the VA, and there are concerns about providers leeching off the VA's extensive repository of medical data "solely for the benefit" of AI, not the agency. Integrating new AI solutions with a complex system architecture and maintaining stringent security compliance is another challenge.
Recruiting and retaining AI talent remains difficult for the VA. Nevertheless, progress is being made. All VA employees now have access to a secure, generative AI tool that saves them over two hours per week.
In conclusion, the VA is embracing AI to improve timely care and cost-effective operations. While challenges persist, the agency is making strides towards a future where AI plays a crucial role in veterans' healthcare.
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