NTT DATA’s 2025 executive insight report, GenAI: The Care Plan for Powering Positive Health Outcomes, reveals that while generative AI (GenAI) is transforming healthcare through enhanced patient and provider experiences, significant challenges in strategy alignment, data security, and workforce readiness persist. Based on a survey of 425 healthcare leaders across 33 countries, the report underscores the need for strategic integration and governance to maximize GenAI’s potential.
80% of healthcare leaders have a defined GenAI strategy, but only 40% align it with business goals
94% say GenAI boosts R&D, diagnostics, predictive analytics, and automation
91% cite legacy infrastructure as a barrier to effective GenAI use
75% report a lack of GenAI skills; 93% address employee role impacts
87% believe GenAI’s benefits outweigh security and legal risks
59% plan significant GenAI investments over the next two years
Generative AI is reshaping healthcare by improving patient care, provider efficiency, and financial outcomes. According to the report, 94% of respondents note that GenAI accelerates research and development, enabling faster access to new treatments, enhanced diagnostics, predictive analytics, and task automation. Human-centric GenAI solutions, such as those developed by NTT DATA and Duke Health, create advanced interactive models for home care, improving outcomes while reducing clinician workloads and patient stress.
Despite 80% of healthcare leaders reporting a well-defined GenAI strategy, only 40% say it strongly aligns with their business objectives, and just 54% classify their GenAI capabilities as high-performing. “To achieve GenAI’s full potential in healthcare, organizations must align the technology to their business strategies, develop comprehensive workforce training, and implement multilayered governance strategies that prioritize people and keep humans in the loop,” said Sundar Srinivasan, Head of Healthcare, NTT DATA North America. “It’s vital to transparently show how the technology benefits patients by complementing human workers.”
Data security and privacy remain critical hurdles, with 91% of healthcare executives expressing fears over privacy violations and misuse of Protected Health Information (PHI). Only 42% strongly agree that their cybersecurity controls effectively protect current GenAI applications. However, 87% of respondents believe the benefits and long-term potential of GenAI outweigh these risks, driving optimism for future adoption.
Legacy infrastructure poses a significant barrier, with 91% of respondents stating it hinders effective GenAI implementation. Only 44% strongly agree they have sufficient data storage and processing capabilities for GenAI workloads, and just 48% have assessed their data and platform readiness. Additionally, 75% of leaders acknowledge a lack of necessary skills to work with GenAI, though 93% are addressing its impact on employee roles through training and reskilling initiatives.
Effective GenAI adoption requires alignment with regulatory and clinical guidelines. “In addition to clearly supporting operating objectives, AI systems also must be aligned with regulatory and clinical guidelines,” Srinivasan said. “Success hinges on high data quality and establishing collaborative decision-making teams.” The report highlights improved compliance and process adherence as key outcomes, with 95% of respondents favoring cloud-based solutions for their cost-effectiveness and practicality in supporting GenAI needs.
NTT DATA’s report emphasizes that strategic alignment, robust governance, and investment in training and infrastructure are critical for healthcare organizations to harness GenAI’s transformative potential. By addressing these challenges, the industry can achieve improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and long-term innovation.
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
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