The AI edge in healthcare innovation: key takeaways from the ViVE conference

AI was the hot topic of the conference, popping up in every conversation like that one coworker who's just discovered cold brew coffee. But rather than being a passing trend, AI is here to stay – and transform. Its primary applications right now are in imaging, workflow automation and administrative efficiency. Picture this: algorithms sifting through imaging scans faster than any human eye, streamlining operations and even helping with clinical documentation like ambient dictation (yes, AI is basically taking notes for you).

However, there’s still a tug-of-war on just how much control humans should relinquish. Many attendees wrestled with the big question: Do we still need human oversight to ensure AI is as effective and efficient as it claims to be? Spoiler alert: The jury’s still out.

One takeaway was clear, though: while diagnostic and workflow automation are thriving right now, AI’s potential in predictive and preventive care modeling is still waiting for its moment in the spotlight.

Of course, while AI dazzled, the deeper conversations turned to the very real – and very human – challenges facing healthcare systems today. Operating margins are razor-thin (we’re talking a lean 2%or worse [1]), federal funding cuts are looming and the staffing crisis seems like it’s become a permanent resident rather than a temporary guest.

And oh, the curveballs keep coming. Patients are delaying care because of co-pays – or because they fear deportation. Women’s healthcare is increasingly at risk, with the Dobbs decision giving rise to maternity care deserts [2]. Meanwhile, emergency rooms are overwhelmed, and “caring beyond the four walls of the hospital” is no longer just a nice-to-have – it’s survival.

These challenges aren’t changing in 2025. If anything, they’re escalating. And many health systems are wondering what tech they can use to dig out of this hole.

The conference floor wasn’t all doom and gloom, though. There was no shortage of fascinating innovations aiming to bridge the gap between challenges and solutions. For one, wearable technology took center stage. Imagine devices and sensors capturing real-time vitals without annoying wires or bulky setups. These innovations don’t just gather patient data; they’re intuitive, unobtrusive and can help catch problems early on.

Standout features for wearables revolved around affordability, comprehensive tracking, non-intrusiveness and (bless) long battery life. A few companies are driving the momentum here, reshaping how we think about patient monitoring. Meanwhile, others seem determined to lead the charge in automation and AI-driven tools. Whether it’s making administrative headaches disappear or making diagnostics lightning-fast, these companies are clearly aiming to leave their competition in the dust.

Amid all this chatter about AI and innovation, one idea rang clear at ViVE – the future of healthcare depends not just on the tech itself but on how we choose to wield it. Whether it’s addressing the barriers of healthcare deserts, finding intelligent ways to streamline operations or deciding how much trust to place in machines, collaboration is key.

At Philips, our commitment to delivering better care for more people drives our innovation. This passion fuels our advocacy for the adoption of technologies where AI and automation play a vital role in enhancing the quality of care. By bridging gaps through automation and embracing the evolution of AI, we remain dedicated to supporting healthcare leaders in implementing AI solutions that extend care, optimize efficiency and elevate both the patient and clinician experience.