10 Key Observations from ViVE 2026

ViVE 2026 concluded on February 25th this week in Los Angeles, signalling a major shift in the industry, the "honeymoon phase" of experimental AI is over. The focus has moved from flashy pilots to operational accountability and measurable ROI.

Here are 10 key observations and takeaways from the floor of ViVE 2026:

1. The "Pilot to Platform" Pivot

Executives agreed that the era of isolated AI pilots is closing. Health systems are now demanding enterprise-wide AI strategies that integrate directly into existing workflows. Investment is being funneled into tools that can scale across an entire organization rather than niche solutions that add to "app fatigue.

2. Nursing Input is No Longer Optional

A major theme was the "Evolution of Nursing in a Tech-Enabled Future." Leaders emphasized that technology—especially ambient listening and AI documentation—often fails because it’s designed without bedside nurses at the table.The consensus: if a nurse didn't help build it, the frontline won't use it.

3. Cybersecurity: From Prevention to Containment

The narrative around cybersecurity has shifted from "keeping them out" to "limiting the blast radius." Radical moves were discussed, such as Baptist Health removing external email access for thousands of frontline staff to eliminate phishing risks—a strategy they call "Safe Mail."

4. ROI is the New North Star

With health systems facing thin margins, every digital tool must now prove its financial worth. Companies like Trinity Health shared roadmaps for eliminating nearly $80 million in operating expenses through tech-driven cost optimization, proving that digital health must now be a "margin protector."

5. Interoperability as "Operational Transparency"

Interoperability is moving beyond regulatory compliance (meeting CMS mandates) toward becoming a functional tool for clinical intelligence. The goal is no longer just "moving data," but ensuring that data provides a unified clinical view across imaging, pathology, and pharmacy in real time.

6. The Rise of "Autonomous AI Agents"

While 2025 was about "copilots," 2026 is the year of the Agent. Companies like Artera and HCLTech showcased autonomous AI agents capable of managing complex patient workflows, scheduling, FAQ resolution and intake, without human intervention, significantly reducing administrative burnout.

7. Diagnostics at the Point of Care

There was a heavy focus on moving high-level diagnostics out of specialized centers and into the community. Innovations in AI-enabled MRI interpretation and cardiology tools (like estimating heart function from limited imaging) are making specialty-level care accessible in local clinics.

8. Direct-to-Employer Pharmacy Models

GoodRx launched its "Employer Direct" platform at the show, reflecting a trend where employers are bypassing traditional pharmacy benefit frameworks to subsidize high-cost drugs (like GLP-1s) directly. This reflects a broader shift toward patient and employer agency in drug pricing.

 9. Patient-Led Transportation

Uber Health unveiled a new self-booking feature, allowing patients to book their own benefit-covered rides. Early pilots showed an 86% decrease in missed appointments, proving that giving patients autonomy—rather than relying on back-end provider booking—leads to better health outcomes.

10. AI Governance as a Competitive Advantage

As state and federal AI regulations tighten, organizations are positioning "AI Governance" as a business asset. Those who can prove their AI is transparent, unbiased, and safe are winning more contracts and patient trust than those who move fast and break things.

Source: https://hlth.com/events/vive/