As the healthcare industry continues to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), hospitals and health systems are faced with the question of whether AI is the right fit for their organization. While many are already implementing AI and machine learning solutions, there is still a need for guidance on how to strategically adopt and incorporate AI into healthcare systems.
This pressing issue will be addressed at the upcoming HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum, a platform that aims to educate healthcare provider organizations on the best practices for AI adoption. The forum will feature a panel session titled “A Strategic Guide to Incorporating AI into Your Healthcare Roadmap,” moderated by Tom Hallisey, the digital health strategy lead and board member at Columbia Memorial Health.
During the session, industry experts including Albert Marinez, chief analytics officer at the Cleveland Clinic; Tatyana Fedotova, director of global data, platforms, and partnerships at Johnson & Johnson; and Christopher Larkin, chief technology officer at Concord Technologies will delve into the critical questions that healthcare organizations should be asking at each phase of their AI journey.
One key question highlighted by Hallisey is the importance of identifying the problem that AI is meant to solve. While AI tools offer immense potential, it is crucial to have a specific measurable goal in mind in order to demonstrate value and scale the work effectively. Furthermore, organizations must consider whether to build, buy, or tweak existing AI tools based on their internal capabilities, privacy and security concerns, scalability, and considerations of data impartiality.
To ensure that AI investments yield maximum impact, Hallisey recommends creating a committee that collects and prioritizes ideas, guides resource selection, reviews pilot results, and aids in scaling initiatives. Involving a diverse group in the committee, including business units and end-users, helps to identify areas of inefficiency and garner necessary support for successful implementation. However, it is also crucial to involve top leaders in the decision-making process to align AI adoption with organizational strategies and priorities.
Long-term success with AI investments can be challenging due to the evolving nature of AI technologies. Regular measurement and evaluation of AI tools and interventions are necessary as data updates, demographics change, and interventions evolve. AI regulations and proposed rules from governing bodies aim to address these concerns and facilitate the integration of AI into healthcare workflows.
In conclusion, the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum presents a unique opportunity for healthcare leaders to gain insights and a strategic roadmap on adopting AI in their organizations. By asking critical questions, prioritizing high-impact initiatives, and continually evaluating the effectiveness of AI tools, healthcare providers can unlock the full potential of AI to improve patient care and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the key question to ask during the beginning phase of a healthcare AI journey?
A: The most important question to ask is, “What problem are we trying to solve?” Having a specific measurable goal is essential to demonstrate value and scale the work effectively.
Q: How can AI investments be targeted for maximum impact?
A: To ensure maximum impact, organizations should start a committee comprising a diverse group of stakeholders. This committee can collect and prioritize ideas, guide resource selection, review pilot results, and assist with scaling initiatives.
Q: How can long-term success with healthcare AI investments be ensured?
A: Regular measurement and evaluation of AI tools and interventions are crucial for long-term success. It is important to monitor data updates, demographic changes, and evolving interventions to adapt AI strategies accordingly.