News

Columbia School of Nursing Launches 'Office of AI'

• By John K. Waters
• 12/11/2024

Columbia University School of Nursing today announced the launch of its Office of Artificial Intelligence (OAI), a new initiative aimed at integrating AI into nursing education, research, and clinical practice. The OAI seeks to drive innovation, enhance education, improve clinical practices, and reduce administrative burdens within the field.

"The establishment of the OAI marks a pivotal moment for Columbia Nursing, underscoring its leadership in integrating emerging technologies to advance health care delivery and education,' said Stephen Ferrara, associate dean of AI and associate professor at Columbia Nursing, in a statement.

The OAI will focus on several core objectives:

• Enhancing innovation: Expanding Columbia Nursing’s informatics research capabilities.

• Supporting education: Providing advanced tools for faculty and students in classrooms and simulation centers.

• Advancing clinical practice: Guiding the integration of AI into nursing and advanced practice.

• Streamlining administration: Offering technological solutions to reduce paperwork and allow staff to concentrate on patient care.

A key feature of the initiative is the Student Advisory Council (SAC) on Artificial Intelligence, designed to involve students in shaping AI projects and promoting awareness through events and research. The SAC ensures that students’ perspectives are represented as AI becomes a more significant part of nursing education and practice.

To celebrate the launch, Columbia Nursing will host the AI & Health Policy Forum: Implications for Nursing on Dec. 12. The event, open to the public, will include discussions on the intersection of AI, health policy, and nursing. It is being organized in collaboration with Columbia’s Office of Scholarly Resources, the Center for Health Policy, and other research institutions.

The OAI represents Columbia’s latest effort to position itself as a leader in nursing education and technology. As a top recipient of NIH research funding, the school has long been dedicated to addressing health disparities and advancing equitable health policies. With the addition of AI capabilities, Columbia Nursing aims to elevate patient care and improve operational efficiency across healthcare settings.

Columbia University School of Nursing, part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, offers a range of advanced nursing programs and clinical collaborations. Its faculty practice, the Columbia Doctors Nurse Practitioner Group, exemplifies its mission to provide innovative and community-centered care.

The AI initiative reinforces Columbia’s commitment to "moving health forward" through bold thinking and technological advancement.