## Nurse Safety & AI Integration Dominate discussions at HLTH 2025
LAS VEGAS – Key themes emerging from the HLTH conference this week centered on the increasing need to address nurse safety and the critical role of nurses in the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence within healthcare systems.A growing concern highlighted at the event was the rising incidence of assault and harassment against nurses. Mensik Kennedy noted nurses are assaulted more frequently enough than corrections officers, sparking discussion on staff well-being.
Nurses also had a more prominent presence at HLTH this year, with the inaugural Nurses’ Pavilion and dedicated panels showcasing their expertise. These discussions included topics ranging from healthcare startup launches to integrating technology into existing health systems.Lavonia Thomas, nursing informatics officer at The University of Texas MD anderson Cancer Center, emphasized that hospitals must collaborate with nurses from the outset when adopting AI tools, moving away from simply handing nurses finished products and expecting adaptation.
Health equity remained a vital focus despite recent closures of diversity offices and programme targeting underserved communities. Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, urged healthcare leaders to “be brave” and maintain their commitment to improving care in underserved communities. Blackstock expressed reassurance that many organizations are continuing these efforts under different names,such as population health,while also cautioning that biased AI tools could hinder progress.
