Policy issues in promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence in Thai public hospitals

Abstract

This study investigates policy issues concerning the leveraging of AI potential
to benefit healthcare services in public hospitals in Thailand. The study employs
qualitative research methods and draws insights from in-depth interviews with
36 key informants involved in policy support, development, or implementation
of healthcare-related AI innovations. The analysis of policy issues is facilitated
using the technological innovation system (TIS) framework. The study identifies
several issues including: inadequate mechanisms for effective innovation
dissemination, market entry barriers, unclear legitimation processes for medical
AI, resource inefficiencies, and ineffective translation of policy frameworks into
practice in innovation activities. It shows how activities within the TIS influence the
adoption of AI in public hospitals, by impacting innovation suppliers, users, and the
mechanisms connecting the suppliers to broader user bases. The study has generated
insights that benefit policymakers and relevant parties in designing better support
for promoting the development and adoption of AI innovations in public health.