Innovating Healthcare Management Education With Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study From the Army-Baylor University...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly impacted academia, with students increasingly utilizing it to enhance their academic endeavors. The effects of this still-nascent advancement have been seen across multiple industries, including healthcare and education at all levels. At the Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Health and Business Administration, we examine the impact of AI use in a graduate healthcare and business administration program at programmatic, course, and student levels and present our findings as a case study.

This case study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining program-level policy development, targeted course adjustments, and a student survey. The survey evaluated technology acceptance and behavioral intentions, supplemented by qualitative free-text responses to capture students' experiences and perceptions of AI use.

The integration of AI demonstrated positive outcomes across several dimensions. At the programmatic level, the faculty developed an AI policy and incorporated the use of the policy in the didactic year orientation week. Ongoing training was provided to faculty and students. At the course level, faculty incorporated the AI policy in their syllabi and reported on how they used the policy and other AI tools to enhance instruction and curriculum development. At the student level, students reported that AI improved their ability to organize and synthesize information, contributing to strong academic performance, including a 100% first-time pass rate on oral board examinations (n = 23, 56% response rate). Few concerns were raised about overreliance on AI potentially limiting deeper learning and critical thinking. Students saw potential in leveraging AI in military medicine, expressing optimism that it could streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and allow leaders to focus on complex tasks in federal healthcare systems.

The Army-Baylor Program's proactive approach to AI integration underscores the importance of balancing innovation with academic rigor. Sustaining these efforts ensures that students are prepared to leverage AI effectively while maintaining essential problem-solving skills. Students reported feeling empowered by their ability to harness AI tools, which positions them to make a substantial impact as administrators in military medicine. This preparedness will enable them to drive advancements, improve efficiencies, and support mission readiness in federal and military healthcare systems. Continued evaluation and adaptation will be crucial for fostering graduates who are equipped to lead and innovate. This mission is essential for sustaining and advancing the federal and military healthcare system.