What's Happening?
Relias has released its 2025 Technology in Healthcare Report, which surveyed 2,052 healthcare professionals across the United States. The report reveals that while 44% of respondents see artificial intelligence (AI) as having significant potential to
improve operational efficiency, more than half are unfamiliar with AI-enabled tools. The survey identifies workforce shortages, compliance pressures, and readiness gaps as major barriers to technology adoption in healthcare settings. Staffing issues are particularly acute, with two-thirds of respondents citing recruitment difficulties as a pressing concern. Compliance risks are also significant, with 38% of respondents highlighting training as a top compliance issue. Additionally, only 15% of organizations feel 'very ready' to adopt new technology, and 42% report slow adoption rates. Virtual reality (VR) training is largely inaccessible due to cost, with 62% of organizations not using or planning to use VR. The report also notes a disparity between managers and staff in terms of familiarity with AI, and highlights the underuse of patient feedback in driving organizational changes.
Why It's Important?
The slow adoption of healthcare technology, as highlighted by the Relias report, has significant implications for the U.S. healthcare industry. Workforce shortages and compliance pressures are hindering the integration of potentially transformative technologies like AI and VR, which could improve care quality and operational efficiency. The reluctance to adopt new technologies may exacerbate existing challenges in healthcare delivery, such as staff burnout and recruitment difficulties. Moreover, the underutilization of patient feedback suggests missed opportunities for enhancing patient-centered care. Organizations that fail to address these barriers may struggle to keep pace with technological advancements, potentially impacting patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Conversely, those that successfully integrate technology could lead the way in improving healthcare delivery and patient experience.
What's Next?
Healthcare organizations may need to develop targeted strategies to overcome barriers to technology adoption. This could involve investing in training programs to increase familiarity with AI and VR tools among staff and managers. Additionally, organizations might consider consolidating platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Addressing workforce shortages through innovative recruitment and retention strategies could also be crucial. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, organizations that prioritize technology readiness and effectively utilize patient feedback may gain a competitive edge. Policymakers and industry leaders may also play a role in facilitating technology adoption by addressing regulatory and compliance challenges.
Beyond the Headlines
The report underscores the ethical and cultural dimensions of technology adoption in healthcare. Concerns about AI's impact on the clinician-patient relationship highlight the need for clear boundaries and guidelines to ensure technology enhances rather than detracts from human-focused care. The disparity between managers and staff in terms of technology familiarity suggests a need for more inclusive and aligned strategies that consider the perspectives of all stakeholders. Additionally, the underuse of patient feedback points to a cultural shift required within organizations to prioritize actionable insights and real-time improvements in patient care.
