Abstract
Adopting AI-based solutions is now widely regarded as an essential consideration in organisations' innovation strategies. For healthcare institutions, such solutions are an especially promising means to address societal and organisational challenges, including rising demand combined with shortages of qualified staff. The technology may enhance the efficiency of, for example, detecting diseases and planning treatments, which are time-consuming when executed manually. However, empirical research related to how AI can be effectively adopted in healthcare to harness these opportunities remains scarce. To address this gap, we conduct an exploratory multiple case study comprising 13 cases in the radiotherapy domain. Taking over an adoption theory perspective, we uncover that organisational, environmental, technological and individual factors are decisive for effective adoption of AI and contribute to the emergence of efficiency gains and standardisation. Our analysis reveals that organisational factors such as pursuing a dedicated innovation strategy within the radiotherapy department as well as a holistic AI implementation strategy are most crucial. In determining and relating the identified relevant factors, we contribute to adoption theory and AI-enabled value creation in healthcare. Further, we advise managers of healthcare institutions on how to effectively adopt AI to overcome challenges at organisational and societal levels.