HIMSS26

Medicomp Systems' CEO adds that the challenge for HIMSS26 attendees in 2026 is harnessing AI-enabled efficiency while preserving clinical integrity. That balance will define the next phase of AI maturity in healthcare, he says.

That's where artificial intelligence is headed today, says EHR vendor CliniComp's Sandra Johnson. HIMSS26 is highlighting the need for AI that is integrated, interoperable, clinically designed and operationally accountable, she adds.

Hospital and health system CIOs should map current prescription workflows in detail and prioritize interoperability with clear governance frameworks, advises Joseph Kleiman, president of Rx tech company Buzz Health.

By adopting the standard usability practices in The Sequioa Project's USCDI v3 guidance, organizations can improve clinical data quality and enhance patient care, which are essential for innovation.

Dr. John Halamka's HIMSS26 opening keynote explored the possibility of AI becoming the standard of care. Executive editors of Healthcare IT News, Healthcare Finance News and MobiHealthNews discuss that and other hot topics from the event.

According to HIMSS CEO Hal Wolf, "thriving" was the theme of HIMSS26's first day, as speakers addressed how health systems can stay resilient and innovate despite challenges.

To ensure new AI products support nursing workflows rather than force nurses to adapt to the technology, include nurses in the development process, Kaiser Permanente's Surya Shenoy and Jerri Westphal advise.

AI-augmented clinicians could soon be the expected norm, said the Mayo Clinic health IT pioneer. But there will always be plenty of other challenges to solve. "And that doesn't mean we're going to need fewer radiation oncologists."

A multi-artificial intelligence agent architecture triggers high-risk patient advanced care planning to improve clinical workflows and patient experiences, while integrating critical human steps for action.

Healthcare leaders must ensure tech investments are paired with organizational changes that enable new workflows, Hal Wolf said at HIMSS26. He added nurses are likely to play an important role in shaping how digital tools evolve.