Healthcare Organisations Struggle To Align Gen AI, Business Strategy: NTT Data
Only 54% of healthcare leaders classified their gen AI capability as high performing.
Healthcare organisations are struggling to create cohesion between their generative artificial intelligence ambitions and strategies. More than 80% of healthcare organisation leaders said they have a well-defined gen AI strategy, but only 40% agreed their gen AI strategy strongly aligns with their business strategy, according to recent research by NTT Data. Only 54% classified their gen AI capability as high performing.
Gen AI is improving healthcare through enhanced quality of patient and provider experiences as well as better financial outcomes. However, improvements and return on investment are hindered by challenges in data security, privacy, ethics, and regulatory compliance.
The report is based on responses from 425 decision makers and influencers from healthcare organisations across 33 countries.
Gen AI In Healthcare: Key Findings
Around 94% of respondents said gen AI accelerates R&D to enable faster access to new treatments, improved diagnostics, predictive analytics, and task automation. Additionally, 95% believe cloud-based solutions are the most cost-effective option for gen AI technology needs.
However, 75% acknowledge a lack of necessary skills to work with gen AI effectively, while 93% are addressing gen AI’s impact on employee roles and responsibilities.
“To achieve gen AI’s full potential in healthcare, organisations must align the technology to their business strategies, develop comprehensive workforce training, and implement multilayered governance strategies that prioritise people and keep humans in the loop,” said Sundar Srinivasan, head of healthcare, NTT Data North America.
Top Gen AI Outcomes, Challenges In Healthcare
Improved compliance and process adherence are among top outcomes from current gen AI investments. Yet, 91% of healthcare executives are fearful of privacy violations and potential misuse of Protected Health Information.
Just 42% strongly agree their existing cybersecurity controls effectively protect current gen AI applications. That said, 87% of respondents agree the existing benefits and long-term potential of gen AI outweigh security and legal risks, and 59% plan significant gen AI investments over the next two years.
Other challenges for rapid and responsible gen AI implementation in healthcare include outdated technology infrastructure and data readiness. Around 91% said legacy infrastructure affects their ability to use gen AI, while 44% strongly agree they have sufficiently invested in data storage and processing capabilities for gen AI workloads. Only 48% have assessed the gen AI readiness of their data and platforms.
