UC San Diego Health is exploring the possibility of using artificial intelligence-supported cameras to detect potential patient issues — such as patient falls and bed sores — before they occur, the health system confirmed in a statement shared with Becker's.
These cameras are not currently in use at the organization. However, UC San Diego Health is eyeing a potential relationship with Artisight, a Chicago-based healthcare technology company, to install them in patient rooms.
The exploration comes as hackers continued to target healthcare organizations in 2024, with healthcare experiencing its most devastating cyberattack in February.
In its statement, UC San Diego Health emphasized its commitment to patient privacy.
"If a decision is made to use this type of technology, we will prioritize the protection of patient safety, data privacy and security while adhering to strict risk management and oversight protocols," the statement said.
The health system declined to expand on what these efforts would look like or provide an estimated timeline for a decision.
Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief clinical and innovation officer at UC San Diego Health, told The San Diego Union-Tribune if efforts move forward, a "computer vision" system would be installed in at least some of its facilities this year, although those plans are not finalized and will be in development for at least six months.
"We're very bullish about the opportunities to use AI-enabled machine vision to help provide the safest possible care for our patients," Dr. Longhurst told the publication. "There are a lot of unanswered questions still, and before we move forward, we'll be working … on issues of privacy and compliance and patient consent."
Artisight CEO Andrew Gostine, MD, told the Tribune a key feature of the AI camera system is the video stream is not stored in long-term computer memory.
UC San Diego Health has already demonstrated a commitment to monitoring patient health and safety via data from technology. In 2023, the health system received a $22 million gift to create an AI-powered "mission control center."