Understanding tech-ready compassionate leadership and its relationship with AI use in healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are changing healthcare, but we know little about how leaders can support implementation of these tools while maintaining compassion for patients, families, and staff. Laura’s project will study tech-ready compassionate leadership—the ability to lead digital and AI-enabled change while preserving human-centred care. Through a national survey of healthcare leaders, clinicians, and professionals involved in technology implementation, her team will examine how technology readiness and compassionate leadership come together in practice and how these patterns relate to willingness to adopt AI. They will then work with healthcare leaders to translate the findings into practical leadership personas, case studies, and learning resources. The goal is to help healthcare organizations develop leaders who can embrace innovation while strengthening trust, relationships, and compassionate care, ensuring that advances in AI support the human experience of healthcare.