Here, we will delve into the findings of an online survey conducted among HCPs to gauge their perspectives on AI adoption in healthcare. This survey sheds light on their willingness to embrace AI, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and what could make them more open to integrating AI into their daily practice.

The Methodology

Before we dive into the survey’s insights, let’s briefly summarize the methodology used:

Respondents: The survey included a diverse group of healthcare professionals, such as GPs, neurology specialists, cardiology specialists, nurses, and dentists. A total of 22 HCPs, across the UK, participated.

Survey content: The survey explored several key aspects, including HCPs’ willingness to adopt AI, the areas in which they saw AI being most and least helpful, and the factors that could make them more ready to incorporate AI into their practice. Additionally, it assessed HCPs’ perceptions of patients’ readiness to adopt AI in their disease management journeys.

The Findings

Willingness to Embrace

80% of HCPs claim they are willing/extremely willing to adopt AI into their day-to-day practice.

Key Areas of AI Relevance

HCPs identified various aspects of their roles where AI could be most helpful. However, the most common areas include:

Assisting with diagnosis and triage, including specialties such as ophthalmology, rheumatology, and endocrinology.

Managing chronic illnesses remotely, particularly within GP practices.

Increasing efficiency and time management resulting in reduced work burden.

Supporting with screening and imaging analysis, leading to earlier detection and better patient outcomes, particularly in ophthalmology, infectious diseases, and clinical oncology.

Key Areas of AI Irrelevance

However, where human interaction and communication is involved, AI is believed to be less helpful, including:

Assessing patients’ mental states and providing emotional holistic support.

Addressing ethical dilemmas and providing the necessary empathetic responses.

Providing personalised care or collective patient feedback.

Readiness Factors

While the majority of HCPs in the sample expressed willingness to adopt AI, several factors are considered to increase the likelihood of adoption:

Development of cost-effective and user-friendly solutions.

Effectiveness demonstrated through evidence-based trials.

Intuitive usability with a system that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.

Education and training on the practical applications and advantages of AI in healthcare.

Patient Engagement

Although HCPs are open to AI, only 41% think their patients would feel the same.

Key concerns revolve around HCPs believing there will be a lack of patient trust and acceptance of AI in their care.

There is also belief that patients will have the perception that AI cannot provide the same level of empathy and understanding as human healthcare providers.

The gap between HCPs’ and patients’ readiness to adopt AI suggests the need for improved patient education and engagement, with HCPs, and all those involved, taking proactive steps to inform and involve patients in AI-based healthcare solutions.

Concluding Thoughts

The integration of AI into healthcare is a transformative journey that requires careful consideration of healthcare professionals’ perspectives. While there is optimism about the potential benefits, there are also concerns to address. To successfully usher in the era of AI in healthcare, it is crucial to bridge the gap between HCPs’ readiness and patient acceptance, address ethical concerns, and provide adequate education and training.

We would like to extend our gratitude to GKA who assisted in gathering this valuable data.

The future of healthcare is undeniably intertwined with AI, and it is essential that all those involved navigate this transformation thoughtfully, ethically, and collaboratively.

Authors: Leanna Appleby and Amy Siddaway