OECD Report Reveals Growing Need for AI Skills in Healthcare
Paris, Thursday, 30 October 2025.
An OECD report highlights the critical need for digital and AI skills among healthcare professionals, analyzing 55 million job postings and emphasizing roles like telehealth and cybersecurity.
Strategic Developments in Telehealth and Cybersecurity
The OECD report, released in October 2023, emphasizes the growing importance of telehealth and cybersecurity in the modern healthcare landscape. The analysis of over 55 million online job postings from Canada, the UK, and the US reveals a significant demand for digital and AI skills in these domains. Telehealth has become an essential service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated its adoption by healthcare providers. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern as healthcare systems become more digitized, necessitating robust security measures to protect sensitive patient data [1].
The Impact of Generative AI and Advanced Robotics
Generative AI (GenAI) and Advanced Robotics (AR) are transforming healthcare occupations, as highlighted by the OECD study. These technologies are reshaping roles by either augmenting human capabilities or automating routine tasks. While some positions may face risks of automation, many are expected to benefit from increased productivity. The integration of AI in healthcare is driving the need for reskilling policies to ensure that healthcare professionals can adapt to these technological advancements [1].
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Integration
The integration of AI into healthcare systems presents both challenges and opportunities. Ethical concerns such as data privacy and algorithmic bias must be addressed to ensure equitable healthcare delivery. AI’s potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and develop personalized treatment plans offers significant benefits. However, the successful implementation of AI technologies requires continuous training and reskilling of the workforce, as underscored by the OECD findings [2][3].
Future Directions and Workforce Preparedness
Looking ahead, the healthcare workforce must be prepared to embrace digital transformation. The OECD report advocates for targeted reskilling programs to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary digital and AI skills. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise globally, the ability to leverage AI and digital technologies will be crucial in delivering efficient and effective healthcare [1]. The upcoming Universal AI for Health Summit in Washington, DC, aims to address these themes, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategic developments and innovations in AI healthcare applications [4].