Cybersecurity: Don't rush in 

Q. Is it safe to use AI in my practice?  

A. Unsurprisingly, the answer is, “It depends.” Consider the type of data that you give AI access to, including ePHI, and internal HR, financial and intellectual property data. Some factors to consider:  

•  How else will my data be used?  
•  What steps are they taking to secure my data?  
•  Can I delete my data from their systems once I no longer need the service?  
•  For ePHI, can I get a BAA executed/will I be able to vet their compliance?  

There’s a good chance you are already using AI in some way today. Common use in the industry includes dictation software (improve voice recognition), EMRs (increase efficiency), image processing and data crunching (improve diagnoses), and drug manufacturing (reduce the cost of discovering new drugs).  

Another factor to consider beyond managing risks is whether you’ll benefit in practice from the use of AI. Commonly with technology, and security in general, there is a balance between protection and convenience. If you can clearly demonstrate that the use of specific AI will have a net-positive gain on patient care, staff efficiency and/or cost reduction, and if you can manage your risk by ensuring your data will be handled appropriately, then it may be worth it to adopt the technology.  

However, if you can’t identify a direct benefit to the organization or patient care, then there’s no need to rush into adopting AI and taking on that risk just because it seems like everyone else is. According to a survey sponsored by AxisCare, in the past year respondents who saw AI as a new technology that would have an impact on their business dropped from 81% to 53%. Often there is a rush to adopt new technology, but sometimes the hype doesn’t pan out, at least in its current form. 

Jason Kirkhart is CEO at beetoobi. FMI: www.beetoobi.com.