Identify the Prerequisites and Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence in Management of Health System in Iran

Abstract

Abstract

Background Artificial Intelligence was initially designed with an algorithmic nature, enabling it to analyze data and learn on its own. The development of artificial intelligence is a result of the increase in big data, machine learning methods, and computing power, which is a result of the socio-technical transformation in all society’s sectors, including healthcare. From the early days, there’ve been challenges in using technology, such as legal and ethical, informal information, the use of algorithms in different clinical environments, the inability of artificial intelligence to reason beyond its program, and the dynamic nature of medical knowledge. Objective The aim of this study is identifying the essential requirements for Iran's healthcare system to prepare for the artificial intelligence’s implementation and to determine potential challenges that may arise during this process. This study will provide the initial steps towards the artificial intelligence’s integration into the healthcare system. Methods We first conducted a scoping review to identify patterns used to launch artificial intelligence and the challenges involved in managing the healthcare system. After that, we held three focused group discussion sessions and eight semi-structured interviews with senior managers, professors, and information technology experts from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences to gather their perspectives on expectations, challenges, and prerequisites. Findings We divided the challenges artificial intelligence’s implementing in health system management into five categories: data collection, technology development, implementation, ethical and social. Additionally, from interviews, three key areas of expectation for health system managers, prerequisites for implementation, and challenges in using artificial intelligence in healthcare management have emerged, with a total of 12 topics and 22 sub-topics. Conclusion Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare management. It’s associated with a set of expectations, challenges, and prerequisites need to be considered. Managers have high hopes for artificial intelligence in healthcare as it can address the pressing issues faced by the healthcare and improve processes. Keywords Artificial Intelligence, Health System, Healthcare System, Scoping Review