Unclear Accountability in Artificial Intelligence Management

A new survey conducted by Sage Growth Partners has revealed widespread adoption of AI tools in the healthcare sector, yet executives have expressed concerns about the technology's readiness for widespread use.

According to the survey, 57% of healthcare C-Suite executives identify investing in AI-based clinical solutions as one of their top five technology priorities over the next five years. This enthusiasm for AI is evident, with 67% of those surveyed investing in AI to enhance patient care and 75% believing AI can reduce inefficiency and operational costs.

However, the survey also raises questions about the reliability of AI technology. Only 12% of those surveyed consider AI currently reliable, and 50% identify the appropriate use of AI as one of their top three challenges. These concerns are heightened by the lack of governance in AI usage within the healthcare industry, a matter that the survey poses as a question: who should be responsible for governance in AI usage - health systems, states, or the federal government?

Stephanie Kovalick, chief strategy officer of Sage Growth Partners, stated that today's healthcare leaders are facing a complex mix of opportunities and risks with AI. Kovalick noted that the stakes are too high for mistakes in the implementation of AI in the healthcare sector.

The current responsible authority for regulating the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in the United States is not centralized under a single federal regulator. Regulation efforts mainly focus on transparency requirements like the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, with some state-level initiatives such as California's Senate Bill 53 targeting AI development transparency and safety protocols.

Despite these concerns, only 10% of those surveyed say they're aggressively pursuing AI technology. This suggests that healthcare providers are implementing AI programs without proper safeguards in place.

The survey also highlighted that only 13% of those surveyed have a clear strategy for using AI in clinical care. This underscores the need for a more strategic approach to AI adoption in healthcare, ensuring that the potential benefits of AI are realised while addressing the concerns about data quality, bias, regulatory uncertainties, and the appropriate use of AI.

In conclusion, while healthcare leaders are enthusiastic about AI, they have reservations about its readiness for widespread use. A more strategic approach to AI adoption, addressing concerns about data quality, bias, regulatory uncertainties, and the appropriate use of AI, is necessary to ensure the potential benefits of AI are realised in the healthcare sector.