The debate over whether companies should have an AI strategy continues to rage on, with a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal sparking controversy. Joe Peppard, academic director at University College Dublin’s Smurfit Executive Development, argues that most companies are making a mistake by rushing to embrace artificial intelligence. According to Peppard, many organizations are jumping on the AI bandwagon simply because they don’t want to be left behind, rather than because they have a genuine need for AI.
In the healthcare industry, the trend towards AI adoption is also evident. Large health systems and academic medical centers are investing in AI tools and appointing Chief AI Officers. However, as one health system employee pointed out, some organizations are only embracing AI to fulfill a PR requirement, rather than to improve patient care or efficiency.
The key question facing healthcare providers is whether they should all be looking for AI use cases, or if it might make more sense for some organizations to skip AI altogether. Peppard warns that adopting AI for the wrong reasons can be counterproductive and even dangerous. He believes that many organizations lack the foundational work necessary to make AI a worthwhile investment, and that deploying AI inadequately can distort decision-making.
To make AI work in healthcare, Peppard suggests building the necessary infrastructure, deploying ancillary technologies, and embracing change management. Additionally, educating and training the workforce for AI success is crucial.
In conclusion, the decision to adopt AI in healthcare should be based on a genuine need and a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks. Simply following the AI trend without proper consideration could lead to wasted resources and ineffective implementation. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate their AI strategy and ensure that it aligns with their organizational goals and priorities.
