Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Temiskaming Hospital

Public Statement on the Responsible Use of AI Scribes and Other AI Tools

Temiskaming Hospital recognizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support hospital administration, patient care, and healthcare delivery. This includes the thoughtful integration of AI scribes and other AI-enabled tools that can reduce administrative burden, improve access to timely information, and help healthcare teams focus more time on patients.

We are committed to using AI responsibly, safely, and transparently. AI tools are assessed through Temiskaming Hospital’s Digital Health Committee before use and monitored to ensure they support quality care, protect privacy and confidentiality, and comply with applicable laws, professional standards, and hospital policies, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

Our approach to AI is guided by the following principles:

·         Patient-Centered Care: AI is used to support safe, compassionate, and equitable care and to strengthen—not replace—the relationship between patients and their care teams.

·         AI Scribes: AI scribes may assist authorized healthcare providers with clinical documentation. Their output is reviewed and validated by the responsible provider before it becomes part of the patient record.

·         Privacy and Security: Personal health information is handled in accordance with privacy law, approved safeguards, access controls, and hospital policies. Only authorized tools and appropriate information may be used.

·         Transparency and Choice: When AI directly supports a patient interaction or care process, patients will receive clear information appropriate to the circumstances, including any choices available to them.

·         Human Oversight: AI supports professional judgment and operational decision-making; it does not independently diagnose, treat, or make final decisions about patient care.

·         Responsible Administration: AI tools may support functions such as scheduling, documentation, communications, analysis, and workflow improvement, subject to review, authorization, and appropriate oversight.

·         Quality, Safety, and Accountability: AI tools are evaluated for accuracy, reliability, bias, accessibility, cybersecurity, and clinical or operational risk. Their use is monitored, and concerns are addressed through established hospital processes.

Temiskaming Hospital will continue to review emerging AI technologies and update its governance, education, consent, privacy, and risk-management practices as needed. For more information about our approach, please refer to our Artificial Intelligence Policy.

By integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly, Temiskaming Hospital aims to improve the experience of patients, families, staff, physicians, and partners while maintaining trust, accountability, and the highest standards of care.