Charting the future of patient care: A strategic leadership guide to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have the potential to revolutionize conventional healthcare practices, creating a more efficient and patient-centred approach with improved outcomes. This guide discuses eighteen AI-based applications in clinical decision-making, precision medicine, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics, including a real-world example of AI’s role in public health during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we address ethical questions, transparency, data privacy, bias, consent, accountability, and liability, and the strategic measures that must be taken to align AI with ethical principles, legal frameworks, legacy information technology systems, and employee skills and knowledge. We emphasize the importance of informed and strategic approaches to harness AI’s potential and manage its challenges. Moreover, this guide underscores the importance of evaluating and integrating new skills and competencies to navigate and use AI-based technologies in healthcare management, such as technological literacy, long-term strategic vision, change management skills, ethical decision-making, and alignment with patient needs.