Editor’s Note: Health Data Management’s May cover story investigated the potential of recent innovations to shape healthcare’s future, including combating clinician burnout and supporting value-based care through AI. The following article extends the discussion by examining specific technical and operational considerations for providers looking to invest in AI.

Eight out of 10 healthcare leaders are eyeing investments in artificial intelligence in the next three years, and 37 percent will lean on AI to improve operational efficiency, a recent report found. But gaining optimal value depends on a structured framework for evaluating investments.

Amid the noise of ChatGPT and pressures to determine use cases for generative AI, leaders’ ability to look beyond the “someday potential” of AI and focus on “right now” opportunities could be a competitive differentiator.

Natural language processing and AI technology is already being applied in various care settings to improve information transfer and reduce burnout. This type of realistic focus on immediate improvement, instead of a long-term implementation strategy, positions leaders to relieve pressure on overstretched healthcare teams and increase capacity where it matters most. It also speeds access to actionable intelligence, which strengthens quality of care and satisfaction.

Going beyond the hype

But selecting the right solutions for an AI-powered approach also requires leaders to go beyond the hype. They must carefully assess: What are the foundational AI capabilities needed to improve decision-making and the experience of care — for patients and clinicians — while delivering the best possible outcomes?

Here are four critical considerations for investing in NLP and AI solutions to make an immediate and deep impact in healthcare.

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