HIMSS25: Smart health transformation forum spotlights AI integration, workforce challenges …

• AI in Healthcare IT
• Data Interoperability in Healthcare
• Ethical AI Governance
• Technology
• Workforce Development for AI

AI is shaping the future of healthcare, but its success depends on workforce readiness and ethical governance. HIMSS25 leaders are addressing AI integration, workforce training, and ethical AI governance in healthcare.

Mar 06 256 min read

The HIMSS25 Smart Health Transformation Forum offered a deep dive into how healthcare organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation to address operational and clinical challenges. As hospitals and health systems strive to optimize workflows, improve patient outcomes, and manage costs, the conference highlighted both the promise of new technologies and the complexities of their adoption.

Healthcare executives and technology leaders gathered to discuss the real-world application of digital innovation in clinical environments. While much of the conversation focused on AI’s potential, speakers emphasized the importance of aligning emerging solutions with existing workflows, ensuring provider engagement, and maintaining a keen focus on ethical and workforce-related considerations.

Identifying and addressing healthcare challenges

Roberta Schwartz, Executive Vice President at Houston Methodist Hospital, delivered a message that framed the current state of healthcare challenges. Along with other speakers, she outlined issues ranging from patient access bottlenecks to administrative inefficiencies that contribute to provider burnout. The message was clear: while technology has the potential to solve systemic problems, its deployment must be strategic and patient-centric.

Many hospitals are dealing with mounting financial pressures, increased regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing staffing shortages. In this context, technology can serve as both an enabler and a disruptor. Leaders must be intentional in identifying pain points where innovation can drive the most impact. AI, for example, has already demonstrated value in predictive analytics, clinical decision support, and workflow automation—but its successful integration requires careful planning and leadership buy-in.

Strategic evaluation of technological solutions

A recurring theme throughout the forum was the importance of strategic vetting when considering new technologies. Panelists shared how their organizations evaluate digital solutions based on organizational priorities, emphasizing that innovation must be purpose-driven rather than implemented for its own sake. The process begins with identifying specific problem areas and assessing whether a proposed technology aligns with broader strategic goals.

This structured approach ensures that new solutions are not only effective but also scalable and sustainable. Many organizations are now adopting formalized processes for technology assessment, requiring evidence of measurable improvements in efficiency, patient experience, or clinical outcomes before widespread deployment.

Engaging clinical leadership in implementation

Healthcare IT leaders agree that successful technology adoption hinges on strong leadership engagement. The most effective implementations involve clinical champions early in the decision-making process to ensure that new tools integrate smoothly into existing workflows. If physicians and nurses do not see the value of an AI tool or if it disrupts their routines, adoption can become a challenge. While executive buy-in is crucial, frontline clinicians must also be engaged to facilitate smoother implementation.

This perspective aligns with broader industry sentiment that change management is just as important as the technology itself. When new tools are introduced without sufficient stakeholder engagement, they risk being underutilized—or even actively resisted. By fostering collaboration between IT teams and clinical departments, hospitals can better ensure that technology enhances, rather than complicates, the delivery of care.

Ethical considerations and data interoperability

As AI and automation become increasingly embedded in healthcare, ethical concerns have taken center stage. The HIMSS25 panel discussions reinforced the need for clear governance frameworks to guide the responsible adoption of AI-driven solutions.

A major point of discussion was the issue of data interoperability. While AI tools are capable of processing vast amounts of data, their effectiveness is often hampered by siloed information systems and inconsistent data standards. Without seamless data exchange, even the most sophisticated AI models can struggle to deliver meaningful insights.

Panelists called for continued collaboration among technology vendors, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop standardized protocols for data sharing. The industry is making progress in this area, with organizations like the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) working to establish interoperability guidelines—but there is still much work to be done.

Preparing the workforce for AI-driven change

Maurice Bastarache, CIO of Chesapeake Regional Health, provided critical insights in response to the themes discussed. He emphasized that as AI adoption accelerates, healthcare organizations must focus on preparing the workforce for AI-driven change.

“The rapid proliferation of AI across all facets of healthcare, from clinical decision support to operational efficiencies, is evident,” Bastarache stated. “The potential for transformation is undeniable, but alongside this innovation comes the challenge of preparing today’s workforce for AI-driven change while ensuring the next generation is equipped with the necessary skills.”

Bastarache highlighted a concern that many CIOs share: the potential for talent gaps if workforce adaptation lags behind technological progress. While AI has the power to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens, its success depends on how well healthcare professionals are trained to use it.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the forum, as panelists discussed the importance of investing in AI literacy and education. Upskilling existing staff, integrating AI concepts into medical and nursing curricula, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between IT and clinical teams will be essential for a smooth transition into AI-enabled care.

AI’s role in the future of healthcare IT

Bastarache also noted that the future of healthcare IT will be largely defined by AI’s capabilities and how effectively organizations integrate it into human workflows.

“As CIOs, we must navigate these hidden obstacles to harness AI’s full potential without leaving gaps in talent or preparedness,” he said. “The future of healthcare IT will depend broadly on AI’s capabilities and how effectively we integrate it into our human workforce.”

This underscores a crucial point: AI is not a replacement for human expertise but a tool that can augment decision-making and streamline operations. To maximize its benefits, organizations must prioritize both technical implementation and workforce readiness.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation with practicality

The reinforced a key takeaway—while healthcare’s digital future is promising, success will not be measured by the sheer volume of AI and automation deployed. Instead, the industry must balance innovation with practicality, ensuring that new technologies solve real problems without creating new burdens for providers or widening gaps in workforce preparedness.

As hospitals and health systems move forward, their ability to foster collaboration, develop robust AI governance strategies, and invest in workforce training will determine the trajectory of digital transformation. The insights shared at HIMSS25 make one thing clear: technology alone is not the answer. It’s the thoughtful, strategic, and ethical application of that technology that will define the future of healthcare.

Katrina Fryar, MBA, FACHDM is the Vice President and COO of Health Sciences South Carolina