While the world imagines the possibilities for artificial intelligence (AI) and next generation computing, CIOs in healthcare focus on how to realize the potential – pragmatically at first. Prioritizing the prerequisites and implementing incremental improvements paces the progress on the potential, as do lean budgets and learning curves. AI, as many predicted, is eliminating tedious work that few people enjoy and plays an increasingly important role in setting the stage for even more significant advancements in 2025 and beyond.
How AI is Helping Healthcare Operations Today
Hospital operators are finding ways to employ AI as an integral part of clinical and non-clinical operations including:
- back-office functions such as IT, HR, and finance, making these operations more efficient
- basic queries, appointment scheduling, and personalized reminders
People involved in these areas report improved experiences and efficiencies and these are important building blocks for the predictive analytics, precision medicine, and patient care transformations that generate more widespread excitement.
On the Horizon for Healthcare Technology
Broader impact and significant development will be propelled by:
- Driving Adoption of Artificial Intelligence
- Non-Clinical Applications: AI and automation will further enhance back-office functions, driving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.
- Clinical Applications: While adoption in clinical settings will be more measured, AI will significantly impact predictive analytics, precision medicine, and patient care. AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data will aid in early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in early detection of diseases like cancer.
- Thoughtful Governance: In healthcare, we cannot compromise on patient safety and a critical challenge will lie in establishing appropriate policies and governance to ensure safety and ethical use of AI without stifling the progress.
- Impacting Patient Experience and Empowering Them in Their Care Journey
Improving patient experience will be inspired by technology used in other aspects of our lives. AI-enabled monitoring systems enhancing telehealth and mobile health applications will inform patients and empower them to take an active role in their health using devices that are already familiar. Better outcomes should be the result of informed interactions with healthcare providers.
AI will also help in early detection of health issues, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. The proliferation of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices will necessitate robust management and security measures to ensure reliable and secure telemedicine interactions. AI will help with monitoring so appropriate actions can be taken as needed and comprehensive, proactive mitigations will be possible.
- Evolving to Next Generation Computing
The shift to cloud computing is foundational for many technological advancements. However, a hybrid approach, combining cloud and on-premises solutions, will be more practical for many healthcare organizations. In fact, early adopters of the cloud who moved everything to the cloud are now removing functions as necessary to reduce unanticipated costs of storing so much on the cloud. A hybrid approach will make budgeting for the cloud more predictable, while mitigating risks associated with network disruptions and vendor lock-in.
AI and advanced technologies will rely heavily on cloud computing to draw insights from vast data sets, improving decision-making and population health management. Open-source solutions will become more prevalent, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Workforce Transformation
The integration of AI and digital tools will require a new type of workforce, equipped with skills suited for the digital age. Traditional education systems may not fully prepare graduates for these roles and seasoned professionals may not have the technological knowledge required. Both can necessitate investment in workforce training and development by healthcare organizations.
With so much to know, many will focus on core competencies for their internal teams (such as provider relations or other area with resident subject matter expertise or on-location demands). They’ll place emphasis on top priorities (such as cybersecurity), and they’ll partner with experts on commoditized services such as patient portal support, hosting, or other managed services. Sharing the burden and the risk is already a priority for CIOs and will continue to be part of defining strategy and building confidence in the direction they determine for their organizations.
- Cybersecurity
IoMT devices are prolific. Of the clients we have advised, we find they are often unaware of as many as 49% of the devices our monitoring tools detect. Advanced technologies, including AI, will play a vital role in protecting healthcare systems from cyber threats. IoMT is just one dimension to the ongoing challenges. The stakes are obviously high requiring continuous innovation and vigilance that many find is best accomplished with a partner. The challenges and obligations of healthcare further complicate cybersecurity considerations. For health systems, hospitals, and clinics, specific healthcare expertise is a must.
