University Hospitals deemed healthcare-AI leader by American College of Radiology

University Hospitals, Main Campus (University Hospitals)

The Department of Radiology at University Hospitals (UH) was recently recognized as a leader for its use of artificial intelligence (AI). The American College of Radiology’s® Recognized Center for Healthcare-AI (ARCH-AI) is the first national AI quality assurance program for radiology facilities. The ACR recently issued this “seal of approval” for the UH Department of Radiology.

Through the Radiology AI and Diagnostic Innovation Collaborative (RadiCLE) program, the department has established an international presence in research, development, and industry collaboration. UH Radiology is now recognized as an international leader in the clinical use of AI to benefit patients and caregivers. “Our expert team of radiologists, physician leaders, and informatics experts," says Dr. Donna Plecha, chair of the radiology department, "are dedicated to maximizing the clinical applications of AI technologies.”

The ARCH-AI recognition is based on a rigorous evaluation of UH’s use of best practices in AI governance. Key criteria include maintaining an inventory of AI algorithms, monitoring their performance, and ensuring robust security and compliance measures. UH’s participation in the national Assess-AI registry further reflects its commitment to performance benchmarking and safety.

Collaborations and Partnerships

This recognition from the ACR also reflects UH’s commitment to strategic partnerships and innovation. UH Ventures, the health system’s innovation and commercialization engine, helped launch RadiCLE. RadiCLE collaborates with start-ups worldwide to validate emerging AI radiology technologies, including algorithms to identify patient fractures or strokes. By curating vast datasets and conducting clinical trials, UH provides the expertise needed to refine AI for real-world application. By automating repetitive tasks and enhancing diagnostic precision, AI allows radiologists to focus on treatment tailored to individual patient needs. UH, too, recently partnered with Siemens Healthineers to upgrade its technology infrastructure. 

While the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare is enormous, UH leaders approach its implementation with measured caution. Dr. Cliff Megerian, UH CEO, emphasizes the importance of balancing excitement with prudence: "AI is not a replacement for human decision-making.” Dr. Megerian warns that if AI is left unsupervised, errors could emerge in patient management protocols.

Cleveland’s AI Health Hub

The Cleveland Clinic has been using AI in its department of radiology since 2019. That May, in the Lancet Digital Health, department researchers published an article on an AI framework based on patient computerized tomography scans and electronic health records. That framework was the first to use medical scans to inform radiation dosage. This summer, the Cleveland Clinic was also recognized as an ARCH-AI site. At MetroHealth, healthcare providers have also used AI to improve diagnoses of sepsis and improve efficiencies in patient attendance.

What It Means for Ohio

The ARCH-AI site designation was unveiled this past June. For Cleveland to have two of their three major hospitals among early honorees is impressive. Each ARCH-AI site is required to:

• Establish an interdisciplinary AI governance group.

• Maintain an inventory of AI algorithms with detailed documentation.

• Document use cases and training procedures.

• Monitor algorithm performance, including safety and effectiveness.

• Contribute to the “Assess-AI” central AI registry for performance benchmarking.

These requirements will help ensure a strong foundation for AI testing, evaluation, and adoption at UH and Cleveland Clinic facilities, and ensure Cleveland hospitals play a fundamental role in shaping big data for healthcare AI.

What People Are Saying

“[AI] is a reality, a pervasive tool and methodology of deploying technology that is part of everything. So, almost everything we do in healthcare will be affected by AI in some way.”

- Leonardo Kayat Bittencourt, MD, PhD, vice chair of innovation in the Department of Radiology at UH, and head of RadiCLE.