2026 Forecasts: AI in Healthcare

As the healthcare sector gears up for a transformative leap, forecasts predict a significant deepening of artificial intelligence (AI) integration by 2026. This evolution is driven by enhanced workflow integration and a focused approach to governance.

Wolters Kluwer’s Insightful Report

Wolters Kluwer Health has released a forecast report for 2026, which highlights the emerging trends in AI, ecosystem thinking, and new technologies poised to influence the next generation of healthcare professionals.

AI Adoption in Healthcare

The report emphasizes that the healthcare industry is prepared for the next wave of AI adoption. A critical area of focus is clinical decision-making technology, which illustrates the accelerating reliance on AI tools to enhance patient care and decision processes.

The Rise of Shadow AI

However, alongside this advancement, health systems are increasingly aware of governance challenges, particularly concerning shadow AI. Shadow AI refers to the unauthorized use of AI tools by employees within an organization, a prevalent issue that many healthcare providers may not fully recognize.

Expert Insights on GenAI

Greg Samios, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, warns about the implications of shadow AI: “As shadow AI becomes more common, clinicians should exclusively utilize purpose-built Generative AI (GenAI) systems that are grounded on validated evidence, transparent with source citations, and capable of offering personalized recommendations.” He emphasizes the need for transforming GenAI from a mere tool into a collaborative partner in patient care.

Key Predictions for 2026

Looking ahead, several significant predictions emerge from the report:

• GenAI as a Healthcare Partner: As noted by Samios, GenAI is expected to enhance staff efficiency and improve quality of care while maintaining patient safety and clinician-patient relationships.
• Growing Ecosystem Thinking: The trend towards collaborative partnerships and workflow integration will prevent isolated deployments of AI technologies.
• Accelerated Workflow Optimization: The optimization of workflows will span various roles, from nurses to medical researchers, enhancing the utility of AI tools at the point of care.
• Compliance Challenges: Popular medications, such as GLP-1s, underscore the importance for pharmacies to meet rising demands while ensuring compliance with USP regulations.
• Innovative Clinical Monitoring: Technologies utilizing FHIR data exchange will bolster infection prevention and prioritize drug diversion in the allocation of AI budgets by 2026.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

Samios remarks, “Clinical-grade generative AI can act as a trusted co-pilot when integrated into daily workflows, backed by rigorous validation and expert monitoring.” He envisions a future where GenAI automates documentation, synthesizes clinical notes, identifies care gaps, and streamlines communication between clinicians and patients at scale.

As we move closer to 2026, the role of AI is set to evolve, promising improved patient outcomes and a more integrated healthcare ecosystem.