A new survey reached out to healthcare leaders nationwide, gathering their perspectives on the most promising healthcare technology. Their feedback serves as an indicator of the technological directions health systems are likely to take in the upcoming years, especially regarding artificial intelligence in healthcare. This comprehensive survey carried out in the spring of 2023, was a joint venture with KLAS Research, revealed that 56% of respondents identified software and technology as one of their top three strategic priorities, a notable rise from 34% in 2022. This shift reflects the growing emphasis on technological advancements in healthcare, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
Healthcare Technology Survey Design and Participant
Overview
80 leading executives and professionals from diverse US healthcare organizations participated. They were prompted with three pivotal questions about the future of AI in healthcare:
- Which emerging healthcare technology sparks the most excitement for the next couple of years?
- Over the past two years, which healthcare technology domain has witnessed the most advancement?
- Which healthcare challenge holds the most promise to be addressed through digital innovation, especially with AI solutions in healthcare?
AI in Healthcare Statistics
Breakdown of Respondents
- C-suite members: 58%
- Other high-ranking officials: 26%
- Managers and directors: 17%
Institutional Capacity
- Large institutions (>500 beds): 76%
- Medium-sized (201–499 beds): 21%
- Smaller entities (1–200 beds): 1%
- Outpatient centers: 3%
Growing Influence of Healthcare Technology Through AI
Artificial intelligence in healthcare has been a recurring theme among health system executives. AI’s prominence in previous “Vision” surveys was evident, but in 2023, its recognition as the most groundbreaking emerging healthcare technology was unparalleled. It even surpassed virtual care in terms of progress.
Interestingly, enhancing patient care through technologies like decision support, continuity of care, and remote monitoring emerged as the primary healthcare challenge to address using artificial intelligence in healthcare. This shift in focus from patient access, which had been a top concern for two years, suggests a changing landscape, possibly influenced by the conclusion of the COVID-19 crisis. The emphasis now seems to be on enhancing patient outcomes and averting severe health incidents.
The Surge of AI’s Popularity
The rapid rise of generative AI in healthcare in 2023 caught the public’s attention, making healthcare professionals increasingly keen on harnessing AI’s potential. This sentiment was echoed in the “Vision” survey, where AI surfaced as the most promising and rapidly advancing healthcare technology in healthcare leaders’ minds. While using AI in healthcare and use cases for data science solutions have mostly focused on clinical problems, health systems increasingly see AI in healthcare as a tool that can also improve operational, fiscal, and efficiency challenges. Many healthcare leaders believe these types of technologies could help their health systems become more efficient and effective, showcasing the benefits of AI in healthcare.
Technological Innovations in Healthcare
- Artificial intelligence: 63%
- Integration and data sharing: 6%
- Genomic and precision medicine: 5%
- Voice recognition systems: 4%
- Data-driven analytics: 4%
- Blockchain technology: 3%
- Patient monitoring from afar: 2%
- Automated robotic processes: 2%
- Others: 5%
AI in healthcare is also showing promise within other healthcare solutions, such as the electronic health record (EHR). Many healthcare executives mentioned Epic and their partnership with Microsoft to integrate generative artificial intelligence in healthcare into the EHR. The adoption of AI models has grown — in particular, the ability for Epic EHR customers to access up to 10 free modules can make AI models more accessible for them.
The adoption of AI and natural language processing (NLP) capabilities has also increased, with more solutions incorporating these types of functionalities — for example, in imaging software. While interest in AI and NLP has been high for a few years, the ultimate effectiveness will be measured more by the breadth of adoption and whether the technology drives health systems’ desired outcomes.
Other Technological Advancements
Artificial intelligence in healthcare was cited as the most improved healthcare technology by healthcare executives. Perceived improvement in AI is likely leading to greater adoption, which was reflected in the CCM’s report published in June 2023. In that research, most organizations shared they have adopted at least some AI technology. Despite AI’s move to the top of the rankings, executives continue to view Telemedicine and virtual care as technologies that have improved.
Healthcare leaders report these technologies have become easier to use, and health systems continue to iterate on their strategy for how best to utilize virtual care platforms. Many organizations are currently looking at how to expand their use cases and simplify their healthcare technology stack by reducing the number of vendors used and improving integration.
Technological Progress Snapshot
- Artificial intelligence (AI): 22%
- Virtual care platforms: 19%
- Data integration: 12%
- Remote patient monitoring: 10%
- EHR systems: 8%
- Patient involvement tools: 6%
- Data analytics: 5%
- Insurance-related tech: 4%
- Clinical decision aids: 5%
- Patient care management: 35%
- Data mobility solutions: 2%
- Mobile apps: 2%
- Voice recognition: 2%
- Others: 11%
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While patient access remains a significant healthcare challenge, this year’s survey highlighted other pressing issues. The top concern was enhancing patient care, which can be addressed using tools like remote monitoring and clinical decision support. Amid financial pressures, healthcare entities are seeking sustainable methods to deliver top-notch care with limited resources. Healthcare challenge related to patient outcomes, disease identification, and management are also on the radar.
Technological Solutions to Healthcare Challenges
- Patient care quality: 22%
- Patient accessibility: 20%
- Combatting provider fatigue: 8%
- Ensuring patient safety: 8%
- Staffing solutions: 7%
- Data integration: 7%
- Managing healthcare costs: 7%
- Engaging patients: 6%
- Disease management: 4%
- Data accuracy: 1%
The survey also highlighted the pressing issue of provider burnout, emphasizing the need for efficient documentation tools. Given the staffing crunch and escalating provider workloads, healthcare technology emerges as a crucial ally. Expected technological solutions range from patient self-scheduling tools to EHR optimization platforms.
Historical data from KLAS suggests tools like remote patient monitoring and voice recognition have occasionally alleviated provider burnout. However, the broader impact of these technologies remains to be seen. Addressing staffing shortages hinges on automation and effective data utilization for care orchestration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The survey revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) is considered the most exciting and promising emerging technology in healthcare. It was recognized as the most groundbreaking innovation, surpassing other technologies like virtual care in terms of progress.
AI in healthcare is helping to address significant challenges in patient care, such as improving decision support, continuity of care, and remote monitoring. The focus has shifted from patient access to enhancing patient outcomes and preventing severe health incidents, especially as the healthcare landscape evolves post-COVID-19.
AI in healthcare has been cited as the most improved healthcare technology. With greater adoption, more health systems are utilizing AI to improve both clinical and operational challenges, making healthcare processes more efficient and effective.
AI is seen as a solution to various healthcare challenges, including enhancing patient care quality, managing patient outcomes, and improving disease identification and management. Additionally, AI helps alleviate provider burnout by automating tasks like documentation, contributing to better healthcare delivery.
