The Health Foundation's survey, conducted in June and July 2024, provides valuable insights into public and NHS staff attitudes towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The study involved 7,201 members of the UK public aged 16 and over, and 1,292 NHS staff members.
Public Support: 54% of the public support the use of AI for patient care, such as diagnosing illnesses and recommending treatments. A higher percentage, 61%, support AI for administrative tasks like sending letters or planning staff rotas.
NHS Staff Support: Among NHS staff, support is stronger, with 76% in favor of using AI for patient care and 81% for administrative purposes.
"Among the public, young people (aged 16–24 years) are less likely to believe that AI will improve care quality compared to other age groups, and women are less likely to believe that AI will improve care quality compared to men."
The survey indicates a generally receptive environment towards AI in healthcare among both the public and NHS staff. However, the concerns highlighted underscore the importance of involving both groups in discussions about AI integration. Addressing issues related to the human element of care and ensuring the accuracy of AI-assisted decision-making will be crucial for successful implementation.
