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AI is set to transform healthcare, but it’s not a magic solution. The organizations that succeed will be those that identify where AI truly adds value, rigorously test its capabilities, and leave behind what doesn’t work. In 2026, we’ll see a significant focus on refining and validating AI applications.
AI is set to transform healthcare, but it’s not a magic solution. The organizations that succeed will be those that identify where AI truly adds value, rigorously test its capabilities, and leave behind what doesn’t work. In 2026, we’ll see a significant focus on refining and validating AI applications.
Michael Collier
EVP, Corporate Strategy, Development, and Operations
CIOs have an opportunity to guide a successful AI integration by focusing on the following strategies:
Form an oversight committee to ensure ethical and compliant AI deployment.
Consider working with trusted vendors to access scalable and interoperable platforms, versus developing solutions in-house.
Develop comprehensive training programs to build AI fluency and foster trust among staff.
Launch initial AI initiatives with clear key performance indicators (KPIs).
Proactive leadership is the only way to stay ahead of these changes. Actionable strategies should begin now:
Evaluate the organization’s current IT infrastructure and team capabilities against the upcoming regulatory demands.
The right technology can automate many of the new requirements, reducing the manual burden on a team.
This may involve a combination of hiring full-time specialists, upskilling the current team, and leveraging contract or project-based talent.
Strengthening the organization's cybersecurity posture requires a clear, strategic approach. Here are three key actions to prioritize:
A zero-trust architecture operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," treating every access request as a potential threat.
Migrating Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to the cloud offers significant security advantages. Cloud-based systems provide real-time updates and patches, which helps to eliminate the vulnerabilities often found in on-premise legacy systems.
Establishing clear policies for data management, third-party vendor risk, and incident response is critical. A governance framework should ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and align with industry best practices, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
For CIOs, the mandate is clear: lead the charge or be left behind. A proactive approach should include these key actions:
Identify which systems are FHIR-compliant, which need upgrades, and which must be replaced.
Open a dialogue with all technology vendors now. Confirm their roadmaps for compliance with CMS-0057-F and other interoperability rules.
Evaluate the current network, security, and data storage capabilities to ensure they can handle the increased flow of information without creating bottlenecks or vulnerabilities.
Partner with human resources and clinical leaders to create training programs that address the new skills required for an interoperable environment.
To effectively navigate this trend, technology leaders should consider the following strategic workforce actions:
To forecast future skill requirements and identify gaps within the current IT team.
Targeting both internal development and external recruitment.
To develop in-house talent, offering training in high-demand areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
To attract external candidates with specialized expertise essential for sustaining telehealth growth.
With universities, vocational schools, and technology companies to build a pipeline of qualified talent.
Addressing the upskilling imperative requires a proactive and strategic approach.
Collaborate with educational providers to deliver targeted training that addresses critical skills gaps within the workforce.
Establish clear career pathways that demonstrate how acquiring new skills can lead to meaningful advancement opportunities within the organization.
To build a resilient workforce, technology leaders can:
Integrate employee well-being and professional growth into workforce planning to build a more resilient team.
Utilize automation and AI tools to reduce burnout and enhance operational efficiency.
Use workforce analytics for strategic forecasting
Apply workforce analytics to accurately forecast staffing needs and inform strategic planning.
