Healthcare executives and senior managers are enthusiastic about artificial intelligence (AI). Just like last year, they continue to search for ways to use the technology. This is evident from the Top of Mind for Top Health Systems survey by the Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) of the American University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Each year, CCM invites board members, directors and other senior managers in healthcare to participate in the Top of Mind for Top Health Systems survey. The survey asks them which developments they think are the most interesting, which solutions have improved the most and which problems in healthcare can best be addressed with technology. These insights form a kind of barometer for where the priorities lie and what concerns there are in the field of technology and digital innovation.
The survey was conducted in March 2024 in partnership with KLAS, a healthcare research firm. In total, representatives from 55 U.S. hospitals and health systems participated in the survey. More than 90% of respondents were executives, directors and other senior managers.
Attention to AI
Just like last year, AI was also a hot topic this year. AI was not only mentioned as the most interesting technology in healthcare, but also as the most improved technology. This underlines that AI has become an indispensable part of the healthcare landscape and has the potential to significantly change that landscape.
As is now common knowledge, AI can automate time-consuming manual tasks, freeing up more time for healthcare providers to focus on their patients. However, according to Robert Bart, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer at UPMC, it is important that the quality of care is not compromised and that patient data and privacy are not compromised.
Generative AI
Of the various forms of artificial intelligence, generative AI was mentioned most often. This is what respondents expect the most from in the coming period. In the Netherlands, the Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital (ETZ) in Tilburg and Waalwijk and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) are leaders in this field. Under the heading ‘Artificial intelligence in the EHR reduces the administrative burden’, they integrate AI into the electronic patient file (EPD). The generative AI already writes draft answers to questions from patients, which healthcare providers then only have to check and send.
Improving patient care with technology
When asked about the biggest challenges in healthcare that can best be addressed with technology, patient care was mentioned. In this area, full efforts are being made to include home monitoring, decision aids and tools to ensure continuity of care.