Despite the promises of AI, there are still some major hurdles, according to executives attending the HealthLeaders Workforce Decision Makers Exchange.
No matter the size of the health system, AI is top of mind for healthcare leaders.
Health systems across the country are at different points of implementation. There are many factors to consider, so while some are ahead of the curve and in the implementation stages, others are still deciding if the investment in AI is what’s best for their workforce.
The HealthLeaders Workforce Decision Makers Exchange is well on its way this week, with participating members discussing the hypotheticals and realities of AI in healthcare and what this new technological revolution means for the workforce.
Here are three major AI hurdles that CNOs, CMOs, and other healthcare leaders will have to overcome.
Implementation to adoption
One of the biggest challenges with implementing any new sort of technology is adoption, and the same goes for AI.
According to the Exchange members, it can be easy to make the investment in new technologies and then not actually adopt them into workflows. CNOs and other leaders must communicate with staff about the presence of AI in their daily operations and educate them on how to integrate the technology into their tasks.
One major goal for health systems using AI is to reduce administrative burden and give time back to clinicians. It is critical that AI and other new technologies have a low barrier to entry, so that staff with different levels of technical literacy can be easily trained.
Staff buy-in
For AI implementation to be successful, the process must include the nurses and physicians who are going to be using it. However, AI has caused quite a bit of fear among staff, in other industries as well as healthcare.
The Exchange members emphasized the importance of communicating to staff that AI is a tool, not a replacement. Leaders must include staff in the conversation from the beginning and be transparent about how their jobs will change. The language being used surrounding AI matters, according to the Exchange members, and leaders must unify the narrative so that internal messaging is communicated clearly.
Patient acceptance
Consistent external messaging is also critical to successfully using AI. Patients must have confidence in their care team. According to the Exchange members, this begins with robust patient education.
Leaders must build trust with patients by explaining how AI and other technology is used and how it will benefit them. Patients need to have a clear idea of what information is being documented and how. The Exchange members also recommended using patient advisory councils to find out what questions or concerns patients might be having about how AI is used.
Stay tuned for more key takeaways from the 2024 Workforce Decision Makers Exchange.
The HealthLeaders Exchange is an exclusive, executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights.
Please join the community at our LinkedIn page. To inquire about attending a HealthLeaders Exchange event and becoming a member, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Leaders should strive to implement and adopt AI that have a low barrier to entry and can be used by clinicians with varied technological backgrounds.
It’s critical to include staff in the AI development process, and communicate to them that it is a tool, not a replacement.
Leaders should consider using patient advisory boards to understand the questions and concerns that patients have surrounding AI.