Code Breakers: How Design Thinking Unlocks Artificial Intelligence Solutions in the Emergency Department (Innovations Interest Group-Sponsored)

In emergency medicine, the success of artificial intelligence solutions extends beyond predictive accuracy. It requires a deep understanding of clinical environments and seamless integration into workflows. This session examines how design thinking principles can shape AI-driven solutions that are both effective and practical for emergency departments. Topics include identifying clinical needs, co-creating with end-users, and iteratively testing prototypes. A key focus will be addressing the mismatch between AI recommendations and operational capacity, ensuring failures are due to neither technological flaws nor environmental disconnects. Participants will gain strategies to develop AI solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Define the core principles of design thinking and their application to developing AI solutions in emergency medicine.
  • Assess clinical environments to determine whether they have the capacity to act on AI recommendations effectively.
  • Discuss a plan for prototyping and testing AI models that incorporate user feedback and real-world constraints in emergency settings.

Presenters:

  • Andrew L. Chu, MD, MPH, MBA
  • Debadutta Dash, MD
  • Wendy W. Sun, MD
Authors

  • Andrew L. Chu, MD, MPH, MBA

    Stanford University

    Dr. Chu is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. He has co-led multi-disciplinary teams in designing, developing, and launching award winning digital solutions that help physicians manage life threatening emergencies at the point-of-care. His current academic interests include evaluating and executing promising academic-industry partnerships, conducting AI and LLM research, and integrating innovation principles and design thinking into the residency curriculum. As a first-generation college student who grew up in a low-income immigrant family, Dr. Chu is also passionate about diversity in medicine and increasing opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Dr. Chu earned an MD from Boston University. He completed his applied research fellowship training in healthcare innovation and residency in emergency medicine at Harvard (MGH/BWH). He is currently a Stanford Biodesign Faculty Fellow for 2023-2024.

  • Dev Dash, MD, MPH

    Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University

    Dr. Dash is an emergency medicine physician. He delivers care in the Stanford Health Care level 1 trauma center. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He received fellowship training in clinical informatics at Stanford Health Care. He earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Harvard University. His research interests include computer vision and natural language processing. He is also interested in quality assurance and quality improvement in digital health initiatives.

  • Wendy W. Sun, MD

    Yale University School of Medicine

    Dr. Wendy W. Sun is an Administration Fellow and Instructor of Emergency Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. She is passionate about patient quality and safety, physician wellness, and health innovation. Having served as a past President of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Residents and Medical Students (SAEM RAMS) and the Resident Member on the SAEM Board of Directors, she continues to be invested in the advancement of Emergency Medicine through research, mentorship, education, and advocacy.

    Dr. Sun earned her undergraduate degree at Columbia University in Biomedical Engineering. She subsequently obtained her Doctor of Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies. Most recently, she completed Emergency Medicine residency at Yale - New Haven Health where she served as Chief Resident. She continues to further her education as a candidate of the MBA for Executives at the Yale School of Management. A Canadian from Toronto, she now resides in New Haven.

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