Healthcare Leaders Focus on AI and Cybersecurity at HIMSS 2025

2025-03-10 digitalcare

Las Vegas, Monday, 10 March 2025.
AI and cybersecurity take center stage at HIMSS 2025, drawing thousands to Las Vegas amid concerns over federal healthcare policy changes and data security challenges.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Strategic Focus

The HIMSS 2025 Global Health Conference has drawn unprecedented attendance to Las Vegas, marking a significant increase to 28,000 participants from 26,000 the previous year [7]. Under the leadership of HIMSS President and CEO Hal Wolf, the conference has emphasized that artificial intelligence is ‘already widely utilized—whether recognized or not’ in clinical decision support and workflow automation [7]. The timing is crucial, as healthcare organizations navigate significant policy changes following President Trump’s recent second term inauguration [1].

Critical Cybersecurity Concerns

Former NSA Director Gen. Paul Nakasone highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, revealing that hospital ransomware attacks in 2024 cost an average of $1.9 million per day in revenue [6]. This threat is particularly concerning for rural hospitals, which serve 14% of the U.S. population and are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks [6]. Samsung Medical Center has demonstrated the positive impact of AI implementation, reporting a reduction in nurse turnover from 9.3% to 5.9% through AI and automation initiatives [3].

Policy Landscape and Regulatory Challenges

Healthcare leaders are closely monitoring potential federal funding changes, with proposed cuts to Medicaid and medical research agencies looming [1]. Tom Leary, senior vice president of Government Relations at HIMSS, emphasized the global implications of AI regulation, noting that the European Union’s AI framework will likely influence global standards as corporations seek unified compliance approaches [5]. Critical telehealth flexibilities are set to expire on March 31, though bipartisan support suggests potential extension [5].

Future-Ready Workforce Development

The conference has emphasized workforce development as a critical priority alongside technological advancement. According to Hal Wolf, ‘Workforce development is just as critical as AI or cybersecurity. Without the right people in place, even the best technology will fail to deliver its full potential’ [7]. HIMSS is actively investing in educational initiatives to prepare healthcare professionals for the next era of digital health, with particular emphasis on bridging knowledge gaps for Gen Z professionals over the next five years [6].

Bronnen

AI cybersecurity