HIMSS25: Navigating the AI Revolution in Healthcare
From telehealth to robotic surgery, healthcare is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). At the annual HIMSS global conference and expo in Las Vegas, the focus was clear: embracing change is no longer optional.
“There’s little question that we’re fundamentally in a time to listen, to understand and, frankly, get ready for change at an unparalleled level,” said HIMSS President and CEO Hal Wolf.
Global Perspectives on Healthcare Transformation
The conference emphasized the global impact of industry trends, including challenges in funding, workforce management, and extending healthcare access. Wolf highlighted the European Union’s AI Act as a framework that will influence legal standards internationally, along with progress made in AI adoption in Asian healthcare systems.
One example highlighted was the Samsung Medical Center in South Korea. Several healthcare organizations in Asia are at the forefront of AI’s evolution in the industry, driving demand for training and new system deployments.
Samsung Medical Center: A Case Study in Agile Transformation
Dr. Seung Woo Park, President and CEO of Samsung Medical Center, discussed the health system’s journey, including its transition to a filmless hospital in 1996 and its adoption of a mobile electronic health record (EHR) system in 2003. The system embarked on a digital transformation to create DARWIN, an EHR overhaul, which stands for Data Analytics and Research Window for Integrated Knowledge.
The initial version of DARWIN didn’t succeed. The organization adopted an iterative approach, giving priority to its essential functions, and progressively introducing new features. The key to its eventual success was the implementation of the system’s integration of a user-friendly experience that includes ongoing collaboration with clinicians. Son added that the system actively incorporates input from all the medical professionals involved, making sure that the system reflects the needs of real-world experience.
The Future of AI in Patient Care
Dr. Meong Hi Son, Chief Medical Information Officer at Samsung Medical Center, shared that the system’s next-generation system focuses on improving workflows and cultivating a professional legacy that makes clinicians feel respected and better connected to the organization’s endeavors. Son, also a pediatrician, introduced AI-powered robots named Nova and Lumi, which are being used in pediatric care. Park explained that the current focus on AI is transforming patient care with streamlined operations that save time. Son envisions a future where AI can understand the interactions between patient and clinician and actively assist patients throughout their journeys, offering personalized and adaptable care.
