Susan Treacy
Chief Executive Officer, HealthTech Ireland
Artificial intelligence (AI), already in use throughout aspects of our lives, is revolutionising healthcare and is essential for healthcare systems to be sustainable, given today’s challenges.
AI’s effect on the healthcare industry
The healthtech industry and people are at the forefront of this transformation. Its benefits are broad and deep, with potential to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, drive innovation in areas like diagnostics and maximise resources in healthcare systems to meet demanding challenges now and, inevitably, in the future.
AI-powered technologies are being integrated into most aspects of healthcare, from predictive analytics and personalised treatment plans to robotic-assisted surgeries and diagnostics.
HSE AI implementation strategy
Significant progress to realise these benefits is underway with the HSE Implementation strategy launch after months of collaborative work by the HSE AI Implementation Group. On behalf of the industry, and under the remit of the National Health Collaboration Council, HealthTech Ireland — through its represented members — supports the HSE team by providing international insights and experience, alongside contributions from MedTech Europe.
Informed leadership is essential
to navigating this evolving
landscape effectively.
Navigating AI: beyond the binary debate
AI implementation is often framed as a binary debate — full adoption versus strict restrictions. This narrative, echoed across roundtables, conferences and meetings nationwide, oversimplifies the issue and hinders meaningful progress.
In reality, the situation is far more complex, driven by rapid innovation and layered challenges. Recognising this nuance is critical. Informed leadership is essential to navigating this evolving landscape effectively.
Regulatory frameworks are evolving to address complexities to support healthcare professionals and the system, ensuring AI-driven medical technologies meet safety and ethical standards and to have confidence in deploying. HealthTech Ireland, with MedTech Europe, is actively working with policymakers and senior healthcare leaders here and abroad to support guidelines that balance innovation deployment and implementation while maximising benefits for the Irish healthcare system.
Beyond challenges: building a patient-centred AI future
With hurdles in the fragmented data landscape, interoperability and privacy, deployment is challenging. The HSE Data Strategy, currently in creation, is welcome in providing the capability to support the AI strategy.
The quote, “A ship is safe in a port, but that’s not what ships are built for,” resonates deeply in the conversation on AI adoption. As AI advances, healthcare is being transformed; patients gain more control through self-monitoring, clinicians receive much-needed support, and workflows become streamlined for better patient care. The key is fostering an environment that embraces innovation while ensuring safety.
With the right leadership, like skilled sailors guiding a vessel, healthcare professionals must navigate AI’s potential with confidence, embracing progress while keeping humanity at the heart of every decision.
