From Hype to Reality: How HIMSS 2023 Showcased the Power of AI in Healthcare, and How to Make It Work for You

The HIMSS 2023 conference is a hotbed for technological advancements in the healthcare industry, and this year’s conference was no different. This year’s event took place in the windy city June 17-21 and although the attendees were eager to absorb all the latest technology trends in the industry, the buzz and curiosity around AI in healthcare was the star of the show.

The opening keynote address focused on AI in healthcare, and it was clear from the discussions and product announcements that AI is no longer an overhyped pipe dream, it’s coming fast and here to stay.

Quisitive’s own Pat Becker, Chief Strategy Officer of Healthcare, was in attendance as a guest. In this post, she shares her top HIMSS 2023 takeaways and reflections from the floor.

Doctor using a tablet to represent AI in Healthcare topics shared at HIMSS 2023

AI in Healthcare: Top five takeaways from HIMSS 2023

1. Leading EHR vendors are partnering with Microsoft to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into their software.

This move shows that AI technology is rapidly gaining traction in the healthcare industry and that vendors are recognizing the potential benefits of AI for improving patient care. There were several big announcements from leading EHR vendors, EPIC and eClinicalWorks that they have partnered with Microsoft to add OpenAI’s ChatGPT into their software. Also, Nuance has added it to its new Dragon application, while we at Quisitive have developed MazikCare CarePath copilot. Healthcare can now explore using AI-powered tools in their platforms and systems to automate routine tasks and improve clinical decision-making.

2. Organizational leaders must start charting their AI strategies.

The opening session panel, which included Peter Lee, Corporate VP of Research and Incubations from Microsoft, and Andrew Moore, Director of Google Cloud AI and Commissioner for the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, emphasized the importance of establishing AI governance strategies and structures in healthcare provider organizations. Organizations should develop a clear framework for assessing the appropriateness of AI use cases based on operational, technological, and ethical considerations. This framework should involve expert input from a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, data scientists, and ethicists.

3. Legal and ethical issues around the use if AI in healthcare to be addressed.

For example, if trained on partial or poorly framed data, AI-powered tools may introduce bias into clinical decision-making. Organizations should invest in developing and implementing robust policies for informed consent, data privacy, and transparency in AI-powered healthcare applications.

4. Healthcare providers should adopt AI technology to improve operational efficiency and reduce the administrative burden on clinicians.

AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks such as prior authorization and note-taking, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care. Organizations should prioritize use cases with a clear ROI that can deliver measurable benefits to patients and staff.

5. Despite the hype surrounding AI in healthcare, organizations need to approach the technology with a clear-eyed view of its limitations and challenges.

AI is not a magic bullet that can solve all healthcare problems overnight. Organizations should invest in developing the necessary technical expertise and infrastructure to successfully integrate AI into their workflows. They should collaborate with vendors and partners to ensure AI-powered tools are tested, validated, and optimized for their specific use case. Organizations need to prepare their staff (not just technologist) for the introduction of AI in their community.

Overall, AI is here, moving quickly, and isn’t going anywhere. As we move past the hype cycle and embrace AI in healthcare, organizations must prioritize establishing an AI governance structure, addressing legal issues and health equity bias, and embracing AI for operational improvements. With these priorities in mind, healthcare providers can successfully implement AI while prioritizing patient care and equity.

Not sure where to start?

Explore Quisitive’s Healthcare Innovation Workshop

Or, see how Quisitive’s MazikCare Healthcare Cloud Platform is helping organizations in healthcare embrace end-to-end, connected care, powered by Microsoft Cloud and AI.

Patricia Becker, LHMISS – Chief Strategy Officer, Healthcare – Quisitive

Patricia brings more than thirty plus years of executive healthcare information technology experience. Her experience covers all aspects of information technology including strategic planning, revenue cycle and electronic health record implementations, budget and operations, product specification, product delivery, internal customer services, external client support and management of outsourced resources. Connect on LinkedIn

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