AI Surges as Top Healthcare Priority in Global Markets, KLAS Report Finds

Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is surging among global healthcare organizations, now topping the list of strategic IT priorities in most major markets outside the U.S. According to a recent KLAS Research report, the percentage of organizations naming AI as a key initiative grew by 15 percentage points. This shift underscores a growing recognition of AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

The fourth annual KLAS Research report draws insights from 182 healthcare organizations across 43 countries and territories outside the United States. The findings highlight a clear trend: AI is not just a buzzword but a critical component of healthcare IT strategies. Fifty-seven percent of respondents named AI as their top investment priority, followed by electronic health records (EHR) and digitalization at 44%, IT and infrastructure at 26%, cybersecurity at 25%, and imaging at 23%.

Among the various AI solutions being implemented, ambient AI stands out as the most exciting emerging technology. Fifty-seven percent of respondents cited it as a top choice, alongside other clinical AI (17%), operational AI (16%), and general or unspecified AI (16%). Ambient AI, which involves the use of voice-activated technologies to capture and process clinical data in real-time, is seen as a game-changer for improving clinical documentation and reducing administrative burdens.

Global Adoption and Vendor Landscape

AI strategy, governance, and adoption are top priorities among organizations in all regions, with 37% of respondents emphasizing these areas. Clinical documentation (19%), imaging (13%), AI platforms and integration (11%), advanced capabilities (10%), clinical decision support (4%), operational efficiency (3%), and patient engagement and experience (3%) follow.

Of the ambient AI offerings that organizations are excited about, most are provided by third-party vendors. Microsoft Dragon Copilot continues to lead in cross-regional mindshare, while interest in Heidi Health has increased in Europe and Oceania over the past year. Regional vendors like Augnito in the Middle East and TORTUS in the UK are also gaining traction.

Cloud adoption is another significant trend, with nearly three-quarters of respondents leveraging the cloud in some capacity as part of their IT strategy. While only 26% have moved a core system, such as an EHR, PACS, or ERP, to the cloud, organizations worldwide are increasingly operationalizing their cloud strategies and moving beyond evaluation toward meaningful adoption.

EHRs are central to these cloud strategies, with more than one-third of cloud users-especially in the Middle East and Canada-having moved all or part of their EHR to the cloud. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of cloud-based solutions, including improved data security, scalability, and accessibility.

What Comes Next

The surge in AI adoption and cloud migration among global healthcare organizations signals a transformative period for the industry. As these technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and reduce costs. However, challenges remain, including ensuring data privacy, addressing ethical concerns, and managing the integration of new systems with existing infrastructure.

Organizations must also navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI vendors and solutions, carefully evaluating which technologies best align with their specific needs and goals. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace AI and cloud computing, the focus will be on realizing the full potential of these innovations while maintaining a commitment to patient safety and privacy.

The coming years will likely see increased collaboration between healthcare providers, technology vendors, and regulatory bodies to create a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and delivers tangible benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.