Medscape and HIMSS Release 2024 Report on AI Adoption in Healthcare

New Study Reveals Current State and Future Expectations of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

NEWARK, N.J., Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medscape and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) today announced the release of their joint research, "Early Successes, Untapped Potential, Lingering Questions: Medscape & HIMSS AI Adoption in Healthcare Report 2024." Based on responses from more than 800 practicing physicians, clinicians and others representing medical organizations in the United States, the survey–conducted September 4 to October 16, 2024–examines the current use and future expectations of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings.

To view the full report, visit: https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2024-Medscape-HIMSS-AI-Report-6017707

Key findings from the report reveal that right now AI in healthcare is primarily used for administrative tasks, while more clinical applications are still in the early stages of adoption. The majority of medical facilities have been using AI for at least 10 months, underscoring its growing presence. Survey respondents expect AI to play a crucial role in reviewing electronic health records (EHR), analyzing medical literature, and enhancing patient care, among other functions.

While the report's findings suggest AI's integration into healthcare is progressing, a significant skills gap could develop, as a mere 24% of those surveyed reported receiving AI training from their employers. Meanwhile, as AI's influence in medicine grows, data privacy (72%) and ethical considerations (70%) remain major concerns among healthcare professionals.

"This report provides valuable insights into AI's current impact and future potential in healthcare," said Jon McKenna, Executive Editor of Reports at Medscape. "While AI is making progress, particularly in administrative functions, there's still progress to be made in expanding its clinical applications and addressing privacy and ethical concerns. The findings highlight the need for increased training and support as healthcare organizations continue to integrate AI. It's promising to see the recognition of AI's potential to enhance patient care and improve efficiency."

"Health professionals understand that artificial intelligence has the potential to fundamentally change health and healthcare, from clinical decision-support to operations to patient engagement," said Hal Wolf, President & CEO of HIMSS. "However, a critical knowledge gap exists around the effective implementation of AI capabilities. To harness AI's full potential, practitioners and health system executives must build a digitally mature infrastructure that prioritizes ethical and secure use, ultimately improving patient outcomes and optimizing resource management."

The full "AI Adoption in Healthcare Report 2024" is now available on both Medscape and HIMSS websites offering detailed analysis and insights into the current state of AI adoption in healthcare.

About Medscape
Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free C.M.E. and C.E. courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp.

About WebMD Health Corp.
WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care.
The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD®, Medscape®, CME Circle®, Medpulse®, eMedicine®, MedicineNet®, theheart.org® and RxList® are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries.

About Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
A mission-driven nonprofit, HIMSS offers a unique depth and breadth of expertise in health innovation, public policy, workforce development, research and analytics to advise leaders, stakeholders and influencers across the global health ecosystem. With a community-centric approach, our innovation engine delivers key insights, education and engaging events to healthcare providers, payers, governments, startups, life sciences and other health services organizations, ensuring they have the right information at the point of decision. HIMSS serves the global health information and technology communities with focused operations in North America, Europe, United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. HIMSS members include more than 125,000 individuals, 430+ provider organizations, 500+ nonprofit partners and 550+ health services organizations. The HIMSS Global Headquarters is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the HIMSS Americas Headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois.

SOURCE Medscape