Most Healthcare Organizations Aren't Ready to Use Generative AI Tools
Generative AI (GenAI) holds clear promise for healthcare, yet many organizations remain unprepared to integrate it effectively. A recent report from Wolters Kluwer Health and Ipsos highlights this gap between ambition and readiness.
According to the 2025 Future Ready Healthcare Survey, 80% of healthcare professionals see “optimizing workflows” as a top priority. However, only 63% feel ready to use GenAI to meet that goal. This disconnect shows that excitement alone isn't enough; practical preparation is lagging.
What Is Generative AI in Healthcare?
IBM defines GenAI as deep-learning models capable of producing high-quality text, images, and other content based on their training data. In healthcare, this technology can assist clinical and administrative tasks, but its adoption faces hurdles.
Challenges in Adoption
The healthcare sector struggles with infrastructure gaps that limit GenAI implementation. For example, only 18% of survey respondents report having formal GenAI policies, and just 20% have undergone structured training. Concerns also exist around overreliance and transparency—57% worry GenAI might impair clinical decision-making, and 55% fear it could obscure diagnostic reasoning.
Greg Samios, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, points out that healthcare is at a pivotal moment. “As we enter the era of generative AI, organizations face a paradigm shift not seen for generations,” he said. Still, the transition requires careful planning and realistic expectations.
Where GenAI Could Make a Difference
- Staffing Solutions: 85% of respondents view GenAI as a potential aid in recruiting and retaining nursing staff.
- Reducing Burnout: 76% believe GenAI can help alleviate clinician burnout.
- Administrative Efficiency: Prior authorizations (67%) and electronic health record management (62%) are key areas where GenAI could reduce burden.
One tangible example involves speeding up prior authorization. Matthew G. Crowson, M.D., director of AI/GenAI innovation at Wolters Kluwer Health, explains how GenAI “translators” can instantly format clinical data to meet insurer requirements, allowing approvals or clear denials before patients leave the clinic. This could reduce treatment delays and cut costs.
Looking Ahead: Trends and Cautions
The report identifies five major trends shaping healthcare over the next three years:
- Adapting to changing regulations
- Addressing workforce shortages
- Reducing administrative burdens
- Strengthening competencies such as cybersecurity
- Meeting evolving expectations from patients and healthcare leaders
Peter Bonis, M.D., chief medical officer at Wolters Kluwer Health, stresses the importance of recognizing GenAI’s current limitations and aligning its applications with clinical and financial objectives. “Successful integration depends on selecting tools that fit existing workflows and anticipate regulatory shifts,” he noted.
Without clear strategies and adaptable tools, organizations risk falling behind. Leaders should focus on solutions that deliver immediate benefits while remaining flexible for future needs.
Final Thoughts
Generative AI offers more than temporary fixes; it has the potential to reshape how healthcare organizations handle data, patient interactions, and community engagement. But realizing this potential demands investment in infrastructure, training, and policy development.
Healthcare professionals interested in gaining practical skills with AI tools can explore targeted training options to prepare for these changes. Resources like Complete AI Training’s healthcare courses provide hands-on learning that aligns with industry needs.
The road to GenAI adoption requires cautious optimism, clear strategy, and readiness to adapt. Organizations that prioritize these will be better positioned to leverage AI’s benefits in improving workflows and patient outcomes.
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