Healthcare leaders expand AI uptake but urge caution on responsible use and data bias: New report

MedTech & Diagnostics News: New care delivery models and AI-driven innovations have the potential to bridge critical gaps in today’s healthcare system, but their success depends on overcoming the persistent challenges faced by healthcare leaders.

Philips today unveiled the findings of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2024 report, titled Better Care for More People. This ninth edition surveyed nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders across 14 countries, including Australia, focusing on bridging gaps in data-driven insights, workforce, and sustainability.

“Increasingly, long wait times and staff shortages are making it difficult for people to get the care they need, when they need it,” said Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer and Chief Business Leader of Enterprise Informatics at Philips.

“The result: delays in screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, which are putting patients at risk and adding even further pressure to healthcare systems in the long run.”

Honing in on the gaps in data-driven insights, the report reveals that 97% of healthcare leaders encounter at least one data integration challenge that impedes their ability to deliver timely, high-quality care. These challenges lead to increased risk of errors (34%), missed opportunities for preventive care or early intervention (32%), higher operational costs due to inefficiencies (32%), and less time available for patient care (26%) due to the time spent accessing and integrating data.

In Australia, healthcare leaders are ahead of the global curve in implementing AI for clinical decision support. Notably, 59% use AI for in-hospital patient monitoring, 58% for preventive care, 50% for medication management, and 50% for remote patient monitoring. This trend is expected to grow, with 35-45% of remaining leaders from the survey planning to adopt AI in similar areas within the next three years.

Despite the rapid uptake of AI, Australian healthcare leaders emphasise the need for responsible implementation to avoid unintended consequences.

Last week, stakeholders gathered at the Senate’s Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies’ impact and opportunities for Australia, chaired by Labor Party’s Senator Tony Sheldon.

Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), said “It’s important to recognise AI has the potential to deliver extraordinary innovations for how we deliver care in Australia. There are so many potential benefits for all doctors, healthcare workers, patients, and indeed the entire economy.”

However, he cautioned, “AI must have a role akin to a co-pilot. We must embrace its benefits, but not let it take over the controls.”

Professor Enrico Coiera, Director of the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, presented 16 recommendations to the inquiry for the safe and ethical use of AI, including the creation of a national AI healthcare authority, as outlined in the National Policy Roadmap for AI in Healthcare.

Dr Michael Bonning, GP and Chair of the AMA (NSW) Council, emphasised the importance of the “experience from the bedside” to avoid “AI solutions that get in the way of that human moment rather than being supportive and a co-pilot to better healthcare.”

The Philips survey found that 96% of healthcare leaders locally are concerned about data bias in AI exacerbating disparities in health outcomes, compared to the global average of 87%. To mitigate data bias, leaders suggest making AI more transparent and interpretable for healthcare professionals (46%), ensuring diversity among staff working in data and AI (40%), and providing continuous training and education in AI (39%).

Matt Moran, Managing Director of Philips Australia and New Zealand, stated “Whilst timely access to high-quality care remains under pressure, healthcare leaders are leveraging technology and collaboration to overcome these hurdles. Their efforts are demonstrating that next-generation data integration, virtual care, and strategic partnerships can significantly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Australians.”

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