Health Care Executives Show Rising Interest in AI Oversight
Very few health systems have established formal policies to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and even fewer have policies specifically addressing generative AI, according to a recent survey conducted by the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC (CCM). The survey results highlight the rapid advancements of AI in healthcare and the need for proper oversight. With AI gaining greater attention in the healthcare industry, health systems are looking to leverage its potential benefits, such as reducing the burden of documentation on clinicians and automating administrative functions. However, the lack of policies and safeguards surrounding AI raises concerns about patient data privacy.
The CCM collaborated with KLAS Research to survey nearly three dozen health system executives about their approach to AI usage in healthcare and potential risks to patient data and privacy. The survey found that only 16% of respondents had a system-wide governance policy in place. However, many organizations have formed governance committees comprised of senior executives from various departments to oversee AI implementation, underscoring their commitment to addressing this issue. Dr. Robert Bart, Chief Medical Information Officer for UPMC, emphasizes the importance of protecting patient privacy and health data while leveraging the benefits of AI. UPMC upholds the highest standards of security and privacy for all their data.
The survey also explored the potential of generative AI in healthcare. Generative AI, which has gained prominence in recent years, holds promise in improving efficiency, bringing visibility to clinical decisions, and automating repetitive tasks. In fact, 70% of surveyed executives expressed plans to adopt AI solutions integrated within electronic health record (EHR) systems due to their seamless integration.
Jeffrey Jones, Senior Vice President of Product Development at UPMC Enterprises, cautions executives about adopting generative AI without clearly defining objectives and establishing measurable benchmarks. Regular evaluations and adjustments are vital, as generative AI is a dynamic tool that requires attention and calibration.
The research conducted by the CCM and KLAS Research provides valuable insights into how health systems are navigating the complexities of AI. To ensure successful implementation, executives must prioritize governance, privacy, and define objectives clearly. The report, How Health Systems are Navigating the Complexities of AI, can be downloaded from the Center for Connected Medicine website.
As AI continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, it is crucial for health systems to strike a balance between leveraging its potential benefits and safeguarding patient data and privacy. The growing interest among health care executives in AI oversight reflects the industry’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI implementation. With formal policies and effective governance, health systems can harness the power of AI to enhance patient care and drive operational efficiencies.
