While investment in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in healthcare is growing, many hospitals and health systems that were first to adopt such solutions have not yet seen the desired return on investment (ROI). According to McKinsey & Company, most healthcare organizations surveyed typically deliver less than one-third of the expected value of their technology transformation programs.1
George Morris, chief information officer for global healthcare at Dell Technologies, said that too often healthcare organizations choose solutions based on a single utilize case rather than first developing a more strategic and holistic approach to implementing AI. “The most successful organizations in AI have made investments that have moved them toward a consistent platform and maturity model,” he explained.
Morris proposed some practical steps organizations can take to build a viable and sustainable AI integration strategy in healthcare. They can lend a hand organizations become what Dell Technologies calls a “center of excellence” where people, processes and technologies come together to continuously advance the organization’s AI capabilities across the value chain.
Get support and buy-in from senior management. A solid AI strategy needs C-level champions who can lend a hand drive the necessary communication and change management at all levels of the enterprise. With the right guidance, hospitals and health systems can make the most of their AI investments and avoid duplication of effort by integrating AI into existing workflows and developing novel utilize cases. “The goal is to invest in AI solutions that can be replicated and scaled to achieve greater value across the organization,” Morris said.
Establish powerful data governance. Morris cautioned that effective data management is crucial for any organization building an artificial intelligence strategy. Artificial intelligence can maximize the value of an organization’s data through predictive analysis that can lend a hand with decision-making. However, such results are only possible if healthcare organizations can ensure that the data is neat, accessible, and relevant to the specific problem they are trying to solve.
Develop the right talent mix. Classic IT application development and support roles may not have the necessary skill set to lend a hand hospitals get the most value from their AI investments, so it may be necessary to upskill the existing workforce or create novel, more AI-focused positions. “You want to have resources on hand that will help you implement individual AI projects while also providing a long-term view of how they might evolve over time,” Morris said.
Start miniature and build to achieve the results you want. Morris recommends that healthcare organizations start their AI journey with miniature, low-risk projects that clearly demonstrate value, such as patient education or automation of administrative tasks. “This approach… can help organizations implement AI more easily and demonstrate clear benefits,” he added.
Finding the right partners. As AI solutions change at a rapid pace, healthcare organizations can benefit most by working with trusted partners who can lend a hand them transform into a center of excellence. Having the right people to lead your AI efforts, with processes in place to leverage data effectively, and with the tools to deliver key clinical and business insights will ultimately drive long-term value from your AI investment portfolio.
“This type of end-to-end strategy will provide a platform that allows you to adopt, transform and support AI while ensuring you are always adding value to the organization,” Morris said.
Reference
- Chowdhary, S. September 19, 2024. A novel look at the healthcare industry’s service business in the age of artificial intelligence. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/reimagining-healthcare-industry-service-operations-in-the-age-of-ai.