The Trump administration has appointed Thomas Keane as the new national coordinator for health information technology, with a focus on overseeing federal health IT initiatives. Keane, who has a background as a software engineer and interventional radiologist, previously served as a senior advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and managed the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund. His experience includes developing the National Nursing Home COVID Action Network to improve safety protocols. Keane's leadership comes at a time when HHS is undergoing job cuts and budget reductions, as part of a strategy to streamline operations post-pandemic, with a proposed budget of $130 million for health IT initiatives.

Trump Administration Appoints Thomas Keane to Lead Health IT Initiatives Healthcare Dive

A recent American Hospital Association (AHA) report has quantified the financial impact of workplace and community violence on hospitals, estimating costs over $18 billion annually. The analysis, conducted by the Harborview Injury and Prevention Research Center, includes expenses related to victim treatment, security staffing, and violence prevention efforts. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack condemned the violence faced by healthcare workers and emphasized its emotional toll on caregivers and the communities they serve. The report calls for stronger safety measures in healthcare settings and highlights the need for substantial support and training to mitigate the rising incidents of violence.

Hospitals Face $18 Billion Annual Toll from Workplace Violence AHA

Rajiv Kolagani, Chief Data and AI Officer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, is leading the development of an advanced data platform that leverages artificial intelligence to improve clinical quality and operational efficiency. With over two decades of experience, Kolagani is focused on modernizing the hospital's technology and fostering AI literacy among staff. He advocates for collaborative efforts within the organization to make AI a shared responsibility and aims to enhance user engagement through an agile product delivery model. His strategic vision aligns AI initiatives with the hospital's overarching healthcare delivery goals, utilizing his extensive experience to bridge gaps between various stakeholders.

Lurie Children's Hospital Innovates Healthcare with AI-Driven Data Platform Healthcare IT News

The FDA has introduced Elsa, a generative AI tool intended to enhance the efficiency of its workforce across various roles, including scientific reviewers and investigators. Announced by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, the tool was rolled out ahead of schedule and under budget after a successful pilot program. Operating in a secure GovCloud environment, Elsa ensures the confidentiality of internal documents and does not use data from regulated industries, maintaining the integrity of sensitive information. Its capabilities are already being employed to streamline processes like clinical protocol reviews and safety assessments, aimed at improving overall operational efficiency within the agency.

FDA Unveils Elsa: AI Tool Set to Transform Agency Efficiency FDA