Is the Healthcare Industry Prepared for Generative AI? Nurses Say No, but Kaiser Permanente Disagrees.

The healthcare industry accounts for nearly 30% of global data, making it a prime target for innovation through generative AI. Startups and hospital executives alike envision AI not only transforming patient care but also balancing profitability with quality service.

Kaiser Permanente, a major healthcare provider with 40 hospitals across eight states, is immersing itself in these AI possibilities by actively implementing generative AI tools in its facilities. To explore Kaiser’s AI journey, join Daniel Yang, VP of AI and Emerging Technologies, at VB Transform. Yang will share insights as part of the Transform healthcare track on the event's second day, showcasing major generative AI opportunities alongside speakers from Sutter Health, Stanford Hospital, and Healthvana, known for its extensive health app integration with OpenAI's language model.

Kaiser Permanente nurses have also voiced concerns about the integration of AI. Recently, 200 members of the California Nurses Association protested at a San Francisco location, carrying signs stating “Patients are not algorithms” and “Trust nurses, not AI.” They advocate for transparency and input in the deployment of AI tools, emphasizing that patients' safety is at stake. Some nurses have raised issues regarding the tools, including false alarms and failure to recognize critical patient needs, as highlighted by CAN President Michelle Gutierrez Vo, who represents 24,000 nurses at Kaiser Permanente.

As the healthcare sector struggles with data governance, privacy, model bias, and inconsistent standards, frontline workers are urging for a more deliberate approach. They seek thorough testing and inclusion in decision-making processes. The key questions remain: Can AI genuinely safeguard patient lives? Is there a risk of replacing medical professionals with AI?

Yang will address these concerns at VB Transform, exploring how generative AI is being integrated responsibly within one of America's largest healthcare systems. Attendees will discover promising applications of generative AI in healthcare, including predictive analytics for patient outcomes, natural language processing for patient inquiries, and advanced diagnostic tools, as well as the challenges posed by AI, such as data management, accountability, and patient privacy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how healthcare organizations are embracing innovation while prioritizing patient safety. VB Transform 2024 will be held live in San Francisco on July 9, 10, and 11. This year’s theme centers on scaling AI effectively, featuring practical case studies and application stories from industry leaders. Secure your spot today!