Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare

Hartford HealthCare: Spearheading the AI Revolution in Healthcare

At the forefront of a paradigm shift, Hartford HealthCare’s Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare is the first of its kind in New England, and only one of a few in the United States. 

This landmark initiative signifies the organization’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and revolutionizing healthcare delivery.

Hartford HealthCare launches Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare

Seeking to harness the transformative power of AI to safely enhance patient care, Hartford HealthCare has unveiled its Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare. The Center is the first of its kind in New England and one of only a few in the US.

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This Center, a culmination of ongoing collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Oxford, formalizes Hartford HealthCare’s dedication to AI advancements.

“AI stands poised to profoundly reshape healthcare delivery, impacting access, affordability, and excellence. Hartford HealthCare is uniquely positioned to continue defining the next frontier of AI in healthcare, by unlocking its full potential in a trustworthy and responsible way.”

- Barry Stein, MD, HHC's Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, and leader of The AI Center

"We are firmly committed to transforming healthcare delivery by making it more effective, accessible, and affordable. By partnering with the brightest minds globally, including thought leaders like Google Cloud, and collaborating with innovators and investors worldwide, we can create positive change and improve the quality and safety of care.”

- Jeffrey A. Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare

The Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare has five foundational elements:

Collaboration and Partnerships

Assembling an ecosystem of world-class AI partners — including MIT, the University of Oxford and Google Cloud.

Research and Innovation

Conducting groundbreaking AI research centered on healthcare applications and developing algorithms for safe real-world implementation.

Trustworthiness

Verifying and balancing innovation opportunities against potential risks of integrating AI into clinical practice through rigorous standards and governance.

Education

Equipping clinical and operational colleagues with the knowledge to leverage AI in a safe and trustworthy manner, and instruct others in its effective use.

Invention

Testing and developing new AI-enabled products that safely and responsibly drive improved health outcomes.


Years of fostering an innovation ecosystem have accelerated HHC’s impressive portfolio of AI related activities and capabilities, which are now housed under the center, says Dr. Stein.

In collaboration with Professor Dimitris Bertsimas, Associate Dean of Analytics at MIT-Sloan, Hartford HealthCare’s Innovation initiative has spun out a startup focused on Holistic Hospital Optimization and embarked on a variety of research initiatives, many of which have then been translated into clinical and operational practice including:

  • Predicting COVID-19 related events
  • Predicting hospital length of stay
  • Predicting patient deterioration
  • Predicting transcatheter aortic valve surgery outcomes
  • Predicting secondary stroke events
  • Predicting joint replacement surgery outcomes
  • Optimizing Nursing scheduling
  • Optimizing operating room efficiency

“Hartford HealthCare’s Center for AI Innovation in Healthcare stands as a beacon of hope and progress, illuminating the path towards a future where AI empowers healthcare professionals, enhances patient experiences, and ultimately saves lives.This is not merely an initiative; it is a declaration of intent, a commitment to lead the charge in shaping a future where healthcare thrives on the transformative power of AI.”

- Ajay Kumar, MD, HHC’s Chief Clinical Officer

Hartford HealthCare Innovation

Innovating for Better Care and Healthier Communities