Societal factors influencing the implementation of AI-driven technologies in (smart) hospitals
Vincy Chan, Clarissa Serafine Wirianto, Robert Balogh, Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, Michael David Escobar
Abstract
The introduction of AI in healthcare promises benefits, but also faces challenges. Currently, one of these challenges is the lack of information on the societal aspects of implementing AI in healthcare.
Introduction
Advanced technologies are reshaping medical services, leading to the emergence of ‘smart’ healthcare. Smart healthcare involves integrating information and communication technology (ICT) with traditional hospital and doctor-centred healthcare systems, with the aim of enhancing and personalizing healthcare services [1].
Methods
This study is part of the EU Horizon2020 project AIDPATH (grant agreement number 101016909) [21,22]. AIDPATH aims to develop an AI-driven, automated chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) manufacturing platform at the point of care as a treatment for acute leukaemia and lymphoma.
Results
Five out of seven work package leaders participated in the survey, with no reasons provided for the two who did not respond. Of the 10 factors proposed, 9 were considered relevant (90%). One factor, managing digital healthcare supply chains for the successful implementation of AI technologies in smart hospitals (factor 3).
Discussion
This study sought to identify societal factors influencing the implementation of AI technology according to different stakeholder groups and to explore how these factors play a role within (smart) hospitals. Through a survey and focus group interviews, we discussed the facilitators, barriers, possibilities, and preconditions of selected factors.
Conclusions
The findings of this study highlight the uncertainty surrounding the future use of AI technologies within (smart) hospitals. As this field is still in its early stages, there are limited established methodologies, as well as (regulatory and ethical) frameworks, to guide its implementation. Our societal guide addresses these gaps by focussing not only on ethical and regulatory considerations but also on important human-centred factors for AI implementation in healthcare.
Citation: de Graaf Y, Ahmed A, Sanges C, Herbst L, Vrijhoef HJ (2025) Societal factors influencing the implementation of AI-driven technologies in (smart) hospitals. PLoS One 20(6): e0325718. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325718
Editor: Suhairul Hashim, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia - Main Campus Skudai: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MALAYSIA
Received: November 28, 2024; Accepted: May 16, 2025; Published: June 12, 2025
Copyright: © 2025 de Graaf et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this article and its Supporting Information files.
Funding: The paper was written within the framework of the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project AIDPATH (grant agreement number 101016909). All mentioned colleagues/companies are part of AIDPATH and therefore received funding from the EU within the scope of AIDPATH. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
