Berkeley Research Group (BRG) recently published a survey indicating a large increase in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), with professionals expressing high levels of optimism about its transformative potential. According to the latest survey conducted by BRG, an impressive 75% of healthcare professionals anticipate widespread adoption of AI-related technologies within the next three years. This optimistic outlook is indicative of a growing enthusiasm for various AI applications that cover the entire range of healthcare operations, including precise diagnostics, expedited clinical trials, and the promise of personalized patient interactions.
Despite this positive sentiment, the survey highlights a gap in regulatory awareness among healthcare professionals. Only 40% of the surveyed respondents have actively reviewed regulatory guidance in preparation for AI implementation. This finding raises notable concerns, considering the active role of the federal government in contemplating effective regulation of AI in healthcare and its efforts to set industry guidelines. Key governmental interventions, such as President Biden’s executive order in October 2023 outlining AI safety standards and the Department of Health and Human Services’ transparency rule focused on AI in health records, highlights the government’s keen interest in influencing AI application in clinical settings.
The survey also examines the diverse challenges and opportunities associated with AI in healthcare, considering the varied impact across organizational types. For example, pharmaceutical companies, trailing behind healthcare providers, encounter distinct challenges related to large datasets and persisting concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. Healthcare providers, while benefiting from the acceleration of response times through generative AI in virtual care, grapple with ethical considerations and manage the complexities of evolving regulatory frameworks.
The survey covers key functional areas within healthcare provider and pharmaceutical industries, offering a comprehensive examination of the various aspects impacted by AI integration. These functional areas include administration, where AI promises improvements in finance, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and legal domains. The survey also explores AI applications in commercial and marketing endeavors, clinical trials, patient services, governance, and various processes related to drug discovery, design, manufacturing, and quality control. The findings not only highlight the dynamic and transformative role of AI in reshaping healthcare delivery systems but also emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance, collaboration, and proactive cybersecurity measures. Managing the complex combination of technological advancements and regulatory considerations remains necessary for industry stakeholders as AI becomes a key part of healthcare operations. The comprehensive insights from this survey provide a more detailed understanding of the modern healthcare and the importance of a strategic approach in harnessing the full potential of AI in healthcare.
