New Survey Reveals Public Unease About AI in Healthcare
Independent research indicates that while the UK public generally welcomes technological advancements in healthcare, confidence diminishes significantly when artificial intelligence (AI) is applied to more personal aspects of care.
This is according to a new survey conducted in February 2025 by health technology consultancy nuom, which polled 2,000 UK adults about their views on technology in healthcare. Key findings reveal a nuanced attitude toward technology, with a notable drop in trust when AI takes center stage.
The survey’s results show that:
- 67% of respondents are happy for increased use of technology in healthcare if it allows professionals to prioritize the most critical cases.
- Half (50%) are comfortable with AI managing appointments.
- Only 29% trust AI to provide basic health advice.
- A mere 15% would trust AI to provide assistance in mental health support through well-being tools and apps.
Growing AI Acceptance, but Trust Concerns Persist
The increasing acceptance of technology in healthcare may be connected to the rising popularity of wearable devices and health apps. The research showed that over two-thirds (67%) believe these tools encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellness.
Despite this, a noticeable shift in sentiment emerged when respondents were asked about AI. While over half (53%) believed AI could alleviate pressure on the UK health system, 61% felt there wasn’t yet sufficient evidence regarding the trustworthiness and reliability of AI in healthcare. Only 29% would trust AI to provide basic health advice.
Sentiment was also divided regarding administrative tasks, as only half (50%) of participants expressed comfort with AI handling medical appointment bookings and management.
Can Tech Offer Truly Personalized Healthcare?
Low levels of confidence also impact trust in AI’s ability to provide personalized healthcare. When asked about specific healthcare activities they would trust AI to perform, just 19% of respondents expressed confidence in relying on AI to deliver personalized health advice based on their medical history. Moreover, only 14% said they would trust AI to replace a doctor’s appointment for minor health issues using tools like chatbots.
One of the lowest trust levels recorded across all AI healthcare applications was in the area of mental health support, where only 15% would trust AI to assist through well-being tools and apps.
Martin Sandhu, Managing Partner at nuom, commented on the findings: “People are becoming increasingly involved in maintaining their own health, with technology like wearables and apps now a part of everyday life.
“There’s a growing recognition that these tools can help individuals manage their well-being while also easing pressure on healthcare services. Yet, when it comes to AI in healthcare, that same openness hasn’t fully taken hold – trust remains a major hurdle.”
The Future: Building Trust in AI
Sandhu believes that increased public understanding of how AI in healthcare works will improve adaptability. He added, “To many, it still suggests images of impersonal robots, overly complex systems, or sci-fi hype. However, it’s not about replacing human care; it’s about enhancing it.
“Whether it’s managing appointments or supporting personalised health advice, AI can play a major role in making healthcare more efficient and accessible. The challenge? Without clear communication, these benefits often get lost in the noise.”
Building public trust will be crucial as AI becomes more prevalent in healthcare. Tech providers need to be transparent about how their technology functions, how it complements existing care systems, and must communicate this effectively. As seen with other health technologies, people are more likely to embrace AI when they grasp the real value it brings, particularly in easing strain on the healthcare system.
