BOSTON – August 12, 2024 – The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) has awarded a $200,000 grant to OpenNotes to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can further propel health information transparency and open communication between patients and their clinicians. This funding initiates exploration into the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare by focusing on how patients use and comprehend clinical documentation.
OpenNotes, an international movement advocating for transparent communication between patients, families, and clinicians, has shown that sharing clinical notes significantly enhances the quality and safety of care. When patients gain access to their notes, these “open notes” become pivotal in fostering improved health outcomes.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, which presents challenges and opportunities for patient-clinician interactions,” said Catherine M. DesRoches, DrPH, Executive Director of OpenNotes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Our mission is to integrate transparent communication between clinicians and patients as a central element in the development of healthcare technologies.”
Supported by PJMF, over the next 12 months, the OpenNotes Lab will focus on assessing the “patient-centricity” of AI tools. Collaborating closely with patients and clinicians, the Lab aims to improve healthcare accessibility and fairness through AI-powered language translation tools, and establish frameworks that guide the education of policymakers and patient community partners on the implementation of AI in healthcare through a transparency-focused lens.
PJMF’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of AI, data science, and social impact underlines its mission to democratize access to knowledge, enhance human well-being, and promote social good. Partnering with OpenNotes marks PJMF’s inaugural venture into healthcare innovation.
For further information on OpenNotes and their work, visit https://opennotes.org.
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About OpenNotes
OpenNotes is an international movement spreading, studying, and teaching transparent communication among patients, families, and clinicians. When clinical notes are shared with patients, they are called ‘open notes.’ OpenNotes is motivated by evidence indicating that when health professionals offer patients and families ready access to clinical notes, the quality and safety of care improves. Primarily focused on research and education, OpenNotes is a not-for-profit and is based at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a major Harvard Medical School teaching hospital.
About The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector.
