Public Backs Sharing Health Data for AI in NHS, but Values Human Interaction

According to the survey, 75% of respondents are willing to share certain personal health data to help the NHS develop AI technologies.

A recent survey by the Health Foundation reveals strong public support for using health data to advance artificial intelligence (AI) in the NHS, though concerns about maintaining human contact and data privacy remain.

The poll, which involved 7,200 participants, highlights the nuanced views on integrating AI into healthcare.

According to the survey, 75% of respondents are willing to share certain personal health data to help the NHS develop AI technologies.

The public sees potential in AI applications such as clinical decision-making, test analysis, and appointment scheduling.

Participants were most comfortable sharing data on eye health (59%), medications (58%), and long-term illnesses (57%).

However, less than half supported sharing smartphone-tracked data like sleep activity (47%) or sexual health information (44%).

Similarly, there was strong resistance to the NHS accessing shopping data, such as loyalty card usage, or social media data from platforms like Facebook.

Hesitation About Patient Interaction with AI

The survey highlights public reservations about AI tools potentially replacing direct contact with healthcare staff.

While people are open to AI supporting clinical tasks, they are wary of tools that could disrupt their relationship with NHS staff.

For instance, 50% opposed the use of robots for personal care tasks such as washing and dressing, with only 33% in favor.

Conversely, there was greater acceptance of robots assisting in surgical procedures, with 42% expressing support and 36% opposing.

Similarly, many people were comfortable with computer software helping staff determine treatment plans (50% support versus 31% against) and scheduling appointments (48% support versus 35% against).

Trust in NHS & Socioeconomic Divide

Public trust in the NHS to safeguard health data remains strong, with about two-thirds of respondents expressing moderate to high trust levels. However, willingness to share data varied significantly across socioeconomic groups.

Among lower-income households, where the primary earner is semi-skilled, unskilled, or unemployed, 39% were unwilling to share their data. In contrast, only 16% of those in higher-income managerial and professional occupations expressed the same reluctance.

The survey underscores the importance of human interaction in healthcare, particularly among older respondents.

Seeing and talking to NHS staff ranked as the most critical consideration when thinking about integrating technology into healthcare services.

Public Perception of Technology in Healthcare

Overall, 51% of participants believe technology improves healthcare, while only 8% think it detracts from quality, and 29% see no significant change.

Dr Malte Gerhold, Director of Innovation and Improvement at the Health Foundation, stressed the importance of public support in transitioning the NHS from analog to digital.

“It is encouraging that most people are open to sharing their data to develop AI systems in the NHS,” he said.

Balancing AI & Human-Centered Care

Dr Gerhold emphasized that the success of AI in healthcare depends on effective implementation and high-quality data.

“When properly implemented, AI has the potential to free up staff by supporting clinical and administrative tasks. However, these systems are only as good as the data used to design and develop them,” he explained.

The survey sheds light on the need for a balanced approach to incorporating AI into the NHS, addressing public concerns about privacy, equity, and the preservation of human interaction.

With public trust as a foundation, the NHS aims to leverage AI while maintaining the core values of patient care and accessibility.

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