AI Oversight of Growing Interest to Health Care Executives, Finds Survey
Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining significant attention from health care executives, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC (CCM). The research reveals that very few health systems have formal policies in place specifically addressing the use of AI, and even fewer have policies specific to generative AI. This reflects the rapid advances that AI solutions have made in the health care industry.
The survey, conducted in partnership with KLAS Research, sought to understand how health systems are navigating the potential benefits of AI while considering the risks to patient data and privacy. Only 16% of respondents reported having a system-wide governance policy, but many stated that their organizations have established governance committees comprised of senior executives from various departments to oversee AI. This highlights the seriousness with which health care executives are approaching AI implementation.
There are numerous potential benefits of AI in health care, including reducing the burden of documentation on clinicians and automating administrative functions. Vendors are also increasingly incorporating AI into their products. UPMC’s Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr. Robert Bart, emphasizes the importance of protecting patient privacy and health data while leveraging AI to enhance care delivery.
Generative AI, which has gained prominence over the past year, was also addressed in the survey. Health system executives identified improved efficiency, increased visibility into clinical decisions, and automation of repetitive tasks as the top three ways in which they expect generative AI to enhance health care. This technology is already being integrated into electronic health record systems (EHRs), with 70% of surveyed executives stating that they have adopted or plan to adopt AI solutions through EHR vendors for easy integration.
Jeffrey Jones, Senior Vice President of Product Development at UPMC Enterprises, emphasizes the need for clear objectives and measurable benchmarks when adopting generative AI in health care. Regular evaluations and adjustments are essential to optimize strategies since generative AI is a dynamic tool that requires attention and calibration.
The survey was conducted among U.S. hospitals and health systems in October and November 2023. As AI continues to evolve and play an increasingly significant role in health care, it is crucial for organizations to develop comprehensive governance policies and strategies that prioritize patient privacy and data security. By doing so, health care executives can capitalize on the benefits of AI while safeguarding against potential risks.
Overall, the survey highlights the growing interest in AI among health care executives while shedding light on the need for proper oversight and governance. As the industry moves forward, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s potential and ensuring patient safety and privacy.
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