What's Happening?
In 2026, health system IT leaders are increasingly focused on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, moving beyond pilot projects to full-scale implementation. However, a significant barrier to this progress is the reliance on electronic
health record (EHR) vendors. According to a report by Qventus, 74% of health system leaders identify EHR vendor dependence as a major obstacle in executing their AI strategies. The report, which surveyed over 60 senior IT leaders from various health systems, highlights the challenges of waiting for EHR systems to develop AI solutions. Only 22% of respondents are willing to wait for EHR features, a decrease from 52% in 2025. Many leaders are opting for third-party AI solutions that promise quicker deployment and guaranteed returns on investment. Despite the challenges, AI tools are becoming more common, with 75% of U.S. health systems using at least one AI platform, up from 59% in 2025.
Why It's Important?
The integration of AI in health systems is crucial for improving operational efficiency and patient care. However, the dependence on EHR vendors can slow down this progress, potentially putting health systems at a competitive disadvantage. The reluctance to wait for EHR solutions indicates a shift towards more agile and flexible approaches, such as third-party AI vendors. This trend could lead to increased innovation and faster adoption of AI technologies in healthcare. However, it also poses challenges, such as managing multiple vendors and ensuring interoperability between different systems. The pressure to operationalize AI is high, with 65% of respondents ranking it as a top priority. Delays in AI implementation could lead to increased clinician burnout and turnover, further stressing the importance of overcoming these barriers.
What's Next?
Health systems are likely to continue exploring third-party AI solutions to bypass the limitations of EHR vendor dependence. This approach may lead to a more diverse and competitive market for AI technologies in healthcare. However, health systems will need to address challenges related to vendor management and integration to fully realize the benefits of AI. As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, measuring return on investment and achieving scalable implementation with measurable outcomes will be critical. Health systems will need to develop clear benchmarks for performance and ROI to justify AI investments and ensure long-term success.
