The Ways in Which Stakeholders Make Decisions About AI and Novel Technologies for the Health Care of Older Adults: Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve health among older adults, yet how different stakeholders decide to develop, finance, and adopt AI innovations is not well understood. Objective This study aimed to understand the decision-making of different stakeholders regarding AI and technologies for the health care of older adults. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 15 older adults and care partners, 15 clinicians, 8 health system or insurance leaders, 5 investors, and 6 technology developers. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results All stakeholders considered cost, value, and usability important in adopting AI health technologies but emphasized different aspects of each concept. Older adults and care partners prioritized out-of-pocket costs and ease of use, whereas payers emphasized disease prevalence and implementation feasibility. Developers and investors focused on profitability and scalability, resulting in tension with end users’ priorities. Participant suggestions included problem-driven design, greater stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships, and educating older adults about AI. Conclusions As with prior health-related technology innovations, aligning decisional priorities across stakeholders is critical to motivate impactful AI health technologies for older adults.