Forecast is for deeper AI penetration in 2026 enabled by momentum in workflow integration and governance.
Wolters Kluwer Health has issued a 2026 predictions report spanning AI, ecosystem thinking and new tech for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The healthcare sector is ready for the next stage of AI adoption, the report said. This includes clinical decision-making technology.
However, health systems are also playing catch-up with governance, including compliance policies to address the risks of shadow AI, the report said.
Shadow AI is the unauthorized use of AI tools by employees within an organization. This is a bigger issue than most healthcare organizations realize, according to Wolters Kluwer.
“As shadow AI continues to be more prevalent, clinicians should only use purpose-built GenAI systems that are trained on expert-validated evidence, transparent with source citations, and capable of tailored recommendations,” said Greg Samios, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health. “GenAI will provide an increase in staff efficiency and care quality, but we must preserve safety and clinician-patient relationships by reframing workflows that elevate GenAI from a tool to a partner, keeping patients at the center of care.”
Other 2026 predictions:
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GenAI will transform to a partner in healthcare: “GenAI will provide an increase in staff efficiency and care quality, but we must preserve safety and clinician-patient relationships by reframing workflows that elevate GenAI from a tool to a partner, keeping patients at the center of care,” Samios said.
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Ecosystem thinking expands: Partnerships and workflow integration avoid isolated deployments.
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Workflow optimization accelerates: From nurses to medical research, to AI tools at the point of care and prior authorization.
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Compounding compliance: Popular GLP-1 medications put a spotlight on compounding pharmacies working to meet demand while ensuring USP compliance.
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Clinical surveillance tech with FHIR: Infection prevention gets a boost with FHIR data exchange; drug diversion becomes a prerequisite in 2026 AI budgets.
Samios said: “Clinical grade generative AI (GenAI) can be a trusted copilot when embedded in daily workflows, rigorously validated, protected by guardrails, and infused with expert-in-the-loop oversight. Looking ahead to 2026, the ecosystem will continue to witness GenAI’s ability to automate documentation, synthesize clinical notes, surface care gaps, and streamline clinician-patient communications at scale.”
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