At the Digital Health USA 2025 summit organized by Reuters in Nashville on May 12–13, over 300 senior health system executives from across the United States gathered to examine how digital transformation can support value-based care, improve clinician workflows, and enhance the patient experience.
A central message of the event was that technology should be leveraged to elevate—not replace—the human elements of healthcare. Attendees emphasized that AI-driven tools must be developed with human-centered design in mind. This ensures healthcare delivery remains empathetic and intuitive, and that innovations support clinicians and patients alike. Frameworks like SEIPS 3.0 and Human-Centered AI were discussed as guiding models for how to embed transparency, human agency, and flexibility into digital systems.
Key themes from the conference included AI-powered patient engagement, data privacy, and strategies to address clinician burnout. Presenters demonstrated how personalized digital messaging, automated triage, and tailored care plans are helping providers better connect with patients and improve outcomes under value-based care models.
Concerns over data privacy and security were also front and center. As health systems increase their reliance on AI, many executives highlighted the importance of robust safeguards around consent, data usage, and regulatory compliance. Without clear governance, they warned, patients’ trust in digital health solutions could erode.
Another major focus was the challenge of clinician burnout. Health systems are increasingly turning to AI-enabled tools like ambient scribes that automatically document patient interactions. These technologies aim to reduce administrative burden and allow clinicians to spend more time engaging directly with patients. Leaders emphasized that alleviating documentation overload is crucial to preventing burnout and improving workforce satisfaction.
During interactive sessions, more than 30 healthcare executives shared perspectives on where AI is currently adding value—and where implementation still lags. Many pointed to voice assistants and ambient AI as already making a difference in administrative efficiency. Meanwhile, more advanced areas like clinical decision support and real-time patient monitoring were recognized as promising but less mature in terms of real-world deployment.
Executives also noted the difficulty of integrating AI outputs into clinical workflows without disrupting trust or slowing processes. They stressed the need for technologies that seamlessly complement rather than complicate care delivery.
These discussions reflect a broader shift in the digital health landscape. Health systems nationwide are grappling with outdated EHR platforms, mounting administrative demands, and rising patient expectations. As a result, there is growing momentum to redesign healthcare technology around usability, clinician support, and patient empowerment.
Experts at the conference agreed that AI tools must be explainable, ethical, and designed with input from end users. Human values, not just technical capabilities, must be prioritized in product development. This is especially important for avoiding algorithmic bias, protecting patient agency, and maintaining transparency.
Looking ahead, health systems are expected to pursue several strategic priorities. These include adopting AI tools that reduce clinician workload, embedding ethical and human-centered principles in system design, enforcing strong privacy protections, and ensuring that technology initiatives are guided by feedback from frontline staff.
The overarching conclusion from the Digital Health USA 2025 summit was clear: artificial intelligence must support—not supplant—the human touch in healthcare. Successful transformation depends on ensuring technology strengthens relationships, fosters trust, and improves care outcomes without compromising empathy.
