Report: Shadow AI is a bigger issue than most healthcare organizations realize
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Report: Shadow AI is a bigger issue than most healthcare organizations realize Forecast is for deeper AI penetration in 2026 enabled by momentum in workflow integration and governance.
Artificial Intelligence By Susan Morse , Executive Editor | December 15, 2025 | 11:18 AM Photo: Morsa Images/Getty Images Wolters Kluwer Health has issued a 2026 predictions report spanning AI, ecosystem thinking and new tech for the next generation of healthcare professionalsThe healthcare sector is ready for the next stage of AI adoption, the report said. This includes AI for clinical decision-making.Other predictions for 2026 include:Shadow AI (the unauthorized use of AI tools by employees within an organization) is a bigger issue than most healthcare organizations realize. As shadow AI increases in prevalence in 2026, clinicians should turn to purpose-built GenAI systems that are trained on expert-validated evidence, transparent with source citations, and capable of tailored recommendations.Ecosystem thinking drives success: Partnerships and workflow integration avoid isolated deployments.Workflow optimization accelerates everywhere: From nurses to medical research, to AI tools at the point of care and prior authorization.Compounding compliance: Popular GLP-1 medications put a spotlight on compounding pharmacies working to meet demand while ensuring USP compliance.Clinical surveillance tech is on FHIR: Infection prevention gets a boost with FHIR data exchange; drug diversion becomes a prerequisite in 2026 AI budgets.Greg Samios, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, 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.” Topic: Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, Digital Health, Operations