Dr Jan Herzhoff, President (health markets) at the global information and analytics group Elsevier was India recently to participate in a global conference on digital health. In an interview with ET Healthworld’s Vikas Dandekar, Herzhoff spoke on the transformation expected in the use of AI and how almost 80per cent clinicians in India may use AI tools in the next 2-3 years. Here are some excerpts:
ET Healthworld: Elsevier is among the prestigious names in global scientific journals. How has it
played out in India?
Dr Herzhoff: Elsevier is part of RELX, one of the five largest companies in the UK. We’re a global information and analytics company focusing on academic and corporate researchers, clinicians, medical students and faculty. Our clinical support extends to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, aiding them in decision-making and patient outcomes. We have been around for over 140 years, originally focusing on academic and medical content but have evolved to include AI solutions. India is very important to us – with nearly 2000 employees, out of 8000 globally based in Gurugram, Chennai and Bengaluru.
ET Healthworld: In the current healthcare landscape in India, how do you see doctors adapting to digital advancements, and how does Elsevier figure in this transformation?
Dr Herzhoff: Our latest report on AI has some interesting insights. Globally, around 26 per cent of clinicians use AI in decision making, but in India, it’s only about 12 per cent, compared to 35 per cent in the US and China. However, there’s a lot of excitement for AI tools, 79 per cent of Indian clinicians expect to use AI tools in the next 2-3 years, higher than the global average of 66 per cent. A key aspect of this transition is medical education. While about 62 per cent of medical students globally are enthusiastic about adopting new technologies, it’s 73 per cent in India. What’s critical is preparing both current and future doctors for these new technologies, especially with the rapid growth of medical schools and hospitals in India. It’s a challenge to maintain the quality of education while adopting new technology. That’s why we’ve been having conversations with hospital leaders in Delhi and Mumbai to discuss how to equip doctors for these changes. We need to make sure they don’t just adopt AI tools recklessly but use them responsibly.
The future of AI in India’s healthcare sector looks very promising. Many clinicians are eager to start using AI tools over the next few years, and as these tools become more embedded in clinical workflows, we expect to see significant improvements in patient care and overall efficiency. But this transition will require continuous education and training, so that clinicians have the skills they need to make the most of AI and use it responsibly. By fostering a culture that values learning and innovation, Indian healthcare professionals can unlock the full potential of Ai and transform the way
care is delivered.
ET Healthworld: What specific challenges do you see for AI adoption in the clinical space in India, and how can these be addressed to avoid potential risks?Dr Herzhoff: One major concern is accessibility to “trusted quality content”. Clinicians need to understand where the information comes from to ensure responsible use in patient care. Many existing AI models, especially large language models, function like closed-book exams—they provide information but lack transparency about the sources. This can lead to errors and misinformation, posing risks to patient safety. At Elsevier, we focus on creating an experience with our AI solutions. For example, our tools reference high-quality, trusted content, allowing clinicians to trace back to the information sources. According to our survey, 73 per cent of clinicians would only use AI tools if they are based on verified content. Additionally, we involve about 200 subject matter experts to continuously evaluate and update our systems to ensure reliability. Localized content is another critical factor. India has unique medical conditions and practices that must be reflected in AI tools, we have collaborated with Indian experts to develop content that aligns with local guidelines and practices. Lastly, there is the issue of cost. While each AI query incurs costs, it is crucial to make these tools accessible to ensure widespread adoption and impact.
ET Healthworld: Can you explain how Elsevier is addressing the question of responsible AI?
Dr Herzhoff: Elsevier adheres to five guiding principles of responsible AI usage to ensure that our solutions are safe and effective, particularly in the healthcare domain. These principles include considering the real-world impact of our solutions, focusing on reducing bias and promoting transparency, and maintaining human oversight in content curation and evaluation. We also uphold strict privacy standards, reminding clinicians not to input any personal patient information into AI systems. By following these guidelines, Elsevier aims to deliver AI tools that clinicians can trust.
ET Healthworld: How does India compare globally in terms of adopting digital healthcare technologies, and what is Elsevier’s vision for its future presence in the country?
Dr Herzhoff: India holds a unique position globally when it comes to digital adoption in healthcare. While the adoption rate is still developing, there is significant potential. We support clinicians and medical professionals in India throughout their journey, whether they prefer traditional textbooks, advanced databases, virtual reality simulations, or AI-supported tools. We see a strong alignment between India’s needs and our capabilities, making it a vital market for us. The key elements for successful adoption in India are trust, transparency, and relevance. We have worked extensively to include localised content and protocols into our products, making them more applicable to the Indian context.
ET Healthworld: What specific areas do you see AI having the most significant impact on in healthcare?
Dr Herzhoff: AI has the potential to make a real difference in tackling the challenges clinicians face when searching for information. Right now, many clinicians spend around 30 minutes looking for answers to clinical questions, and often struggle to find what they need. Our AI tools can drastically cut down that time, offering immediate, well-referenced answers. This kind of decision support at the point of care not only streamlines clinical workflows but also enhances patient outcomes. By quickly pulling up the right information, AI enables healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than time-consuming searches.
ET Healthworld: What role does human oversight play when implementing AI in healthcare?
Dr Herzhoff: Human oversight is critical when it comes to integrating AI into healthcare. Clinicians are vital in validating AI-generated recommendations for accurate and appropriate patient outcomes. Our AI solutions are designed to support clinicians, not replace them. The idea is to combine AI’s efficiency with the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals, so they can make better informed decisions while still being fully in control of patient care.