Aultman Health CIO Says Healthcare Must Shift AI from Experimental to Operational

Healthcare organizations must move artificial intelligence from pilot projects into real-world operations if they want to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and enhance patient care, according to Raza Fayyaz, Chief Information Officer at Aultman Health System.

Speaking about the future of healthcare technology, Fayyaz explained that hospitals are currently facing major challenges including staff shortages, complex clinical decision processes, and tight financial margins. In this environment, he said, continuing with traditional systems is no longer sustainable, and AI is becoming a necessary operational tool rather than an experimental technology.

From AI Pilots to Operational AI

Fayyaz emphasized that the healthcare industry has spent years testing artificial intelligence through pilot programs, but the real value comes when AI is deployed at scale across everyday operations. Technologies such as large language models, generative AI, and agent-based workflows now provide healthcare systems with tools that can improve decision-making, automate routine work, and support clinical staff.

He also noted that the most important benefit of AI is not just automation, but reducing administrative workload for doctors and nurses. By handling documentation and routine processes, AI can give healthcare professionals more time to focus on patient care.

A Three-Pronged AI Strategy

Aultman Health System is implementing AI through a structured three-part strategy:

1. Using pre-built AI tools to quickly deploy proven solutions.
2. Expanding robotic process automation (RPA) to improve operational efficiency.
3. Deploying large language models (LLMs) to support decision-making and reasoning across hospital operations.

The health system is already using AI tools such as ambient listening for physicians, AI-integrated electronic health record workflows, and agent-based nursing support systems. Internally, the organization is also developing AI models to help with patient discharge education and IT help desk support.

Future Vision: AI in Financial and Supply Chain Operations

Looking ahead, Aultman plans to build a closed-loop financial system powered by AI. The system will track approvals, invoices, and spending, and connect purchasing decisions directly to measurable return on investment (ROI). This approach aims to improve financial transparency and operational efficiency.

To support these initiatives, the organization has implemented strong data governance and AI oversight frameworks to ensure that AI tools are safe, ethical, and accurate.

AI Is a Cultural Shift, Not Just a Technology Project

Fayyaz stressed that healthcare leaders should treat AI as a cultural transformation rather than simply a technology upgrade. He recommends that organizations focus on what he calls the “Four P’s” framework:

• Purpose – Define clear goals for AI adoption.
• People – Address employee concerns and encourage adoption.
• Process – Identify workflows where AI can add value.
• Platform – Build secure data and technology infrastructure.

He also advised healthcare leaders to start using AI tools themselves to better understand how the technology works and how it can be applied across the organization.

The Road Ahead

According to Fayyaz, AI will not replace healthcare workers but will act as a force multiplier that helps them work more efficiently and focus more on patient care. He believes that healthcare organizations that successfully move AI from experimentation to operational use will be better positioned to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and manage workforce challenges.