AI in the NHS: public attitudes and policy priorities

We have published two new reports: the findings of public polling on attitudes towards the use of AI in healthcare, and a consensus statement which outlines the work still to be done in terms of the deployment of AI in diagnostics in the NHS. 

The polling report illuminates what the public knows and feels about the use of AI in their healthcare. It reveals overwhelming support for doctors to lead and shape how AI is used, alongside a need for greater public education to build and protect trust. Some of the headline findings include: 

• Less than half (46%) of the public have heard of AI being used in the NHS 
• A clear majority (80%) supported the use of AI in radiology in some way, and a majority were convinced that AI could improve early detection and diagnosis of cancer. 
• The public are highly trusting of doctors and the NHS, especially with the use of their personal health data. 

Our consensus statement on the use of AI in diagnostics illustrates the importance of AI tools that can alleviate doctors’ administrative burden, as well as the crucial role played by data and the need to balance data access with regulation to protect sensitive information.