Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly changed healthcare in the last 18 months. But not everything promised about AI has come true, caution several health system leaders.
The reality of AI integration healthcare is nuanced and complex. Here are the biggest myths about AI in healthcare from several speakers at the Becker's Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference.
1. AI will immediately transform healthcare. "I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about healthcare in 2024 is that generative AI will have an immediate and transformative effect on the industry," said Dawn Rock-Tremble, senior vice president and chief compliance officer of Encompass Health in Birmingham, Ala. "While segments of the industry have long used AI, and other segments will benefit greatly from its expanded use and immediate adoption, an industrywide metamorphic revolution is quite a few years away owing in part to uncertainty around the technology and lack of regulatory standards."
The ultimate role of AI in healthcare hasn't been realized, Ms. Rock-Tremble said, and will be more than "a few years away."
"While there’s undeniable momentum and high expectations surrounding the integration of AI in healthcare, the ultimate outcome remains unclear," said Kurt Koczent, RN, executive vice president and COO of UR Thompson Health in Canadaigua, N.Y. "It’s crucial to understand that substantial efforts are required in the governance and management of AI within healthcare systems. This is necessary to safeguard our patients, healthcare professionals, and the institutions themselves. Many are quick to recognize the potential advantages of AI, yet fail to consider the possible threats it might pose."
2. AI will replace physicians. "One of the biggest misconceptions about healthcare in 2024 is the belief that artificial intelligence will replace human clinicians in determining patient treatment plans," said J.P. Valin, MD, chief clinical officer of Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City. "Healthcare AI is designed to augment clinician care, not replace it with a machine. AI can assist in making more accurate diagnoses, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans, but the final decisions and care are still in the hands of human healthcare professionals."
The looming physician and nurse shortage makes it crucial to use all tools for efficiency and better outcomes, but there isn't a replacement for the human-to-human healing connections, said Dr. Valin.
"At Intermountain Health, we are thoughtfully and strategically implementing AI solutions proven to enhance the clinician and patient experience, improve the quality of care, and in many cases, help lower the cost of healthcare delivery," he said.
3. AI will solve all problems in healthcare. "One of the biggest misconceptions about healthcare in 2024 is that artificial intelligence will be a panacea for the issues we face around workforce shortages," said Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN, president and CEO of WellSpan Health in York, Pa. "Generative AI and other applications have been a wonderful adjunct at this point for improving efficiency, quality and safety in particular areas."
AI and tech applications take over administrative tasks, but won't replace certain roles in the future. The clinical care and patient safety roles will be particularly important to remain with humans in the near term.
"What will happen in the long-term is less certain — and it’s entirely possible the eventual use of more sophisticated AI may allow for a redesign of roles and applications which could be transformational," said Dr. Gapstur.
4. AI will take jobs. "[One] misconception is the fear that technological advancements, particularly AI/ML, will lead to job losses within the healthcare sector," Ebrahim Barkoudah, MD, system chief and regional chief medical officer of Baystate Health in Springfield, Mass. "While it is true that AI and ML are transforming healthcare by automating routine tasks and improving diagnostic accuracy, they are not replacing human jobs; instead, they are changing the nature of work in the industry."
The technology can alleviate healthcare workers from mundane tasks and focus on patient-centric activities. For many systems, AI could actually mean more jobs and elevated roles.
"New roles are emerging within the healthcare sector as a result of these technological advancements, including positions for AI specialists, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. Thus, rather than diminishing the workforce, AI and ML are reshaping it, creating opportunities for a more skilled and diverse labor force capable of delivering superior patient care in an increasingly digital world," said Dr. Barkoudah.
5. AI will close access and health equity gaps. "I believe the biggest misconception about healthcare today is that embracing digital technology in healthcare will facilitate access to care and that via AI healthcare organizations will deliver more equitable services," said Caroline Rochon, MD, chief of transplantation surgery at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. "Digital health literacy is still understudied and whether broader adoption of digital technologies when facilitating and monitoring healthcare services will truly bring equity or will further the existing gaps is still uncertain."
Dr. Rochon recommended carefully integrating AI-driven technology into healthcare operations with an equitable intent. She said the goal should be strengthening access to care and figuring out who isn't receiving services.
Nancy Beran, MD, vice president and chief quality officer of ambulatory at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y., has similar concerns.
"While AI and telemedicine have improved screening and access, they cannot replace the vital human-centered approach necessary for addressing the mental health crisis impacting over 21 million adults with depression," Dr. Beran said. "True progress demands integrating technology with compassionate, patient-focused strategies, emphasizing empathy and holistic care. We must also prioritize collaboration among healthcare providers and invest in community-based programs. This comprehensive approach is essential to effectively tackle disparities, enhance affordability, and improve disease management."