In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform critical areas such as workflow efficiency, workforce development, and patient safety. Stacey Caywood, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, envisions a future where AI significantly enhances these domains, driving better outcomes for both clinicians and patients.

Empowering Clinicians with Cutting-Edge Technology

Enhancing Clinical Workflow Efficiency

The integration of AI into clinical workflows promises to alleviate the mounting pressures faced by healthcare professionals. In 2024, the health tech sector began channeling the excitement around AI into practical applications that streamline daily tasks. A significant focus has been addressing clinician burnout, a pervasive issue affecting nearly half of U.S. doctors, according to the American Medical Association.Innovative solutions like ambient listening scribes powered by generative AI are revolutionizing documentation processes. These tools reduce administrative burdens, allowing clinicians to concentrate on patient care rather than paperwork. As we move into 2025, expect to see more synergies between AI and complementary technologies, amplifying their potential to drive efficiency. For instance, integrating evidence-based knowledge directly into workflows can ensure clinicians have the right information at the right time, enhancing decision-making and patient outcomes.Moreover, AI's ability to scale dynamically offers new possibilities for optimizing resource utilization. By injecting trusted clinical resources seamlessly into workflows, AI can help clinicians maintain their momentum while accessing critical information. This shift not only improves productivity but also fosters a more collaborative and efficient healthcare environment.

Fostering Workforce Development through Advanced Training

Amidst staffing shortages, AI is poised to accelerate workforce development in 2025. Nursing education is undergoing a transformation, leveraging AI to create immersive learning experiences. Personalized reinforcement tools are being developed to help nursing students learn from their mistakes, ensuring they are practice-ready upon graduation.AI chatbots combined with virtual reality (VR) training offer lifelike interactions with virtual patients, preparing learners for real-world scenarios. This approach allows students, residents, and researchers to develop essential clinical skills while honing interpersonal abilities crucial for high-quality care. For new healthcare professionals, these immersive environments ease the transition into practice, mitigating common challenges faced by beginners.Additionally, AI is streamlining the often cumbersome process of updating nursing protocols. Hospital leaders can now rely on AI-powered systems to facilitate timely and accurate revisions, ensuring practices remain current and effective. The synergy between AI and VR will redefine how healthcare professionals acquire and refine their skills, ultimately leading to better-prepared and confident practitioners.

Elevating Patient Safety through Proactive AI Solutions

Patient safety remains a top priority, and AI is expanding its role beyond supporting clinicians to actively safeguarding patients. In 2025, expect AI technologies to delve deeper into live health data streams, identifying potential disconnects in care that could compromise safety. An AI-driven "helper app" working round-the-clock can flag instances where providers might overlook necessary tests or therapies, or even detect illicit activities like medication diversion.One of the most promising applications of AI in patient safety involves combating medication errors and drug diversion. Continuous monitoring of prescribing and dispensing patterns can identify anomalies and alert administrators to suspicious activities. This proactive approach ensures early intervention, preventing harm and maintaining the integrity of healthcare systems.Furthermore, AI enables health systems to analyze safety metrics across multiple sites, providing valuable insights into performance against benchmarks. Predictive analytics powered by AI can reveal emerging trends or anomalies, guiding organizations in planning targeted interventions. These advancements signify a shift from reactive to proactive measures in enhancing patient safety, reflecting AI's growing influence in healthcare.Overall, the integration of AI in healthcare is reshaping how we address workflow, workforce development, and patient safety. By embracing these innovations, healthcare organizations can achieve higher levels of efficiency, readiness, and safety, ultimately delivering superior care to all.