What You Should Know:
– A new report from healthcare consultancy Sage Growth Partners has revealed a growing disconnect between the potential of AI in healthcare and the preparedness of hospital and health system leaders to implement it.
– The report, The Healthcare C-Suite’s Take on AI, is the first in a three-part series based on an annual survey of 101 C-suite leaders from various integrated delivery networks, academic medical centers, and independent hospitals.
Healthcare Executives See Clear Opportunities for AI Adoption
According to the report’s findings, executives rank AI as the top major trend to watch for the next two years. However, a surprisingly small number say their organizations have clear strategies in place or are aggressively pursuing AI solutions.
The survey highlights that healthcare executives see significant potential for AI to drive strategic initiatives. The report’s key findings include:
- 83% of executives believe AI can improve clinical decision-making, and 75% say it can reduce operational costs by improving efficiencies.
- 67% are currently investing in AI to enhance patient care, while 66% are investing in AI to streamline administrative operations.
- 57% of executives rank AI-based clinical solutions as a top five technology initiative for the next two years.
Executives also expressed high expectations for AI’s potential to augment the workforce and combat the staffing crisis. For example, 98% of executives believe AI can have an impact on combating the staffing crisis, 96% believe it can help reduce burnout, and 94% believe it can aid in workforce retention.
Hesitation and Obstacles to Healthcare AI Adoption
Despite the perceived opportunities, the report also points to a significant hesitation among C-suite leaders.
- Only 13% of executives have a clear strategy for integrating AI into clinical workflows.
- Just 12% believe that today’s AI algorithms are robust enough to rely on.
- Only 10% say their organizations are aggressively pursuing AI solutions.
- 49% cite the “appropriate use of AI” as one of their top three greatest challenges.
“Today’s healthcare leaders are facing a complex mix of opportunity and risk,” said Stephanie Kovalick, Chief Strategy Officer, Sage Growth Partners. “While the potential of AI is undeniable — especially in areas like clinical decision support and operational efficiency — executives are rightly concerned about data quality, bias, and regulatory uncertainties. The stakes are too high for missteps.”
