Understanding the AI Wave: Foundational Knowledge for Improving Diagnosis and Beyond

https://www.ahrq.gov/diagnostic-safety/resources/issue-briefs/dxsafety-ai-wave.html Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant prospect—it is transforming healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and clinical decision making. As AI becomes increasingly embedded across the care continuum, uncertainty about how to safely and effectively integrate AI tools is rising quickly. Understanding the AI Wave: Foundational Knowledge for Improving Diagnosis and Beyond demystifies core AI concepts and offers real-world examples to build foundational understanding. Grounded in evidence and informed by lessons from other high-risk industries, this issue brief provides practical, actionable guidance for healthcare leaders, clinicians, and patients. This resource supports all stakeholders—whether they are making decisions about AI adoption, using AI tools in clinical practice, or seeking to understand AI’s role in care delivery—in navigating AI thoughtfully while safeguarding quality and safety, improving efficiency, and maintaining patient trust.