Championing health systems management with digital innovation and applications in the age of artificial intelligence: protocol for a research program

Health systems are experiencing increasing pressures worldwide due to heightened service demands, demographic aging, stringent regulations, and economic constraints, making efficiency and efficacy in health management critical aspects. At the heart of this complexity, health managers seek to optimize resources and improve care delivery at a time when the adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), becomes increasingly imperative. This necessity reflects not only the pursuit of innovation but also the urgency to adapt to an ever-evolving environment. However, the effective characterization, availability, and incorporation of these technologies as support tools still represent an emerging challenge that is insufficiently explored in the literature. In response, this project proposes the development of a framework of theoretical and practical guidelines for the implementation and management of digital tools in health systems in the age of AI. Adopting a mixed-methods approach that includes systematic review, analyses of commercial off-the-shelf solutions, and qualitative studies with health managers and practitioners, the aim is to map current technology use, identify gaps and best practices, and provide a guide for future direction. This project also intends to develop in co-creation with professionals in the field to ensure the relevance and practical applicability of the developed guidelines. The results are expected to not only contribute to the scientific literature but also offer an evidence-based guide to optimizing the use of digital technologies in health management, promoting a significant transformation in the development and adoption of innovative digital solutions.