Abstract
Background: The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare offers transformative opportunities for advancing integrated care, reducing administrative burden, and improving patient outcomes. However, limited regulatory and ethical frameworks risk undermining these benefits, prompting the CMA to explore strategies for responsible AI use.
Approach: The CMA led a discovery initiative to assess AI’s role in fostering integrated care, involving an environmental scan that examined policy, governance, and ethical considerations. The initiative also included key informant interviews and patient focus groups to incorporate diverse perspectives. This co-design process engaged physicians, patients, and stakeholders to identify practical solutions for leveraging AI while safeguarding equity and safety.
Results: Findings revealed AI’s potential to streamline administrative processes and enable integrated care models, fostering better coordination across healthcare systems. However, risks such as data privacy concerns, inequities, and safety challenges remain significant without robust guidance. Participants emphasized the need for clear policies to mitigate these risks while amplifying the benefits of AI for seamless, patient-centered care.
Implications: This work highlights the critical role of AI in advancing integrated care and the necessity for proactive policy development to ensure ethical and effective implementation. Next steps include refining CMA’s strategic positions, advocating for AI governance frameworks, and supporting healthcare providers in leveraging AI to transform care delivery into a truly integrated system.