Figures from Access HSC highlight only 30% of health and care experts have begun using the technology.
This week Access HSC, which is part of The Access Group, published a new report which surveyed 12 industries about their adoption of AI technologies. Shockingly, it was found that the health and social care sector have one of the lowest uptakes of just 30%.
The news came as a surprise considering authorities and private organisations have begun working to develop technologies that will relieve pressure on the sector. In November last year the government announced they would be spending an additional £2billion on technology for the NHS.
Despite the adoption rate being quite low, those that have started using AI have reported positive benefits. The report outlines that 83% of respondents said it helps reduce workloads and improves productivity.
What’s more, around 76% of respondents in the sector agreed that their organisations would appreciate AI tools.
‘AI is being used in innovative ways to reduce admin, provide data-driven insights to facilitate personalised care, and ensure health and care workers have the most up-to-date information about those in their care,’ Steve Sawyer, managing director at Access Health, Support and Care said. ‘Health and social care, by its nature, handles sensitive employee and client information, so professionals need to be able to use AI in a secure environment that supports compliance with data privacy laws.’
On the topic of privacy laws, researchers claim these could be one of the reasons AI hasn’t been fully accepted with the health and care sector. The report highlights younger workers in particular are beginning to recognise AI’s ability, while many senior-level managers see it as a tool for reducing repetitive tasks and enhancing operational accuracy.
‘Approved AI tools, underpinned by clear and regularly updated policies and training, can help organisations deliver a higher standard of service while reducing their workload,’ Steve added.
The full report, which generated over 1,100 responses from employees and was conducted in partnership with GingerComms, can be accessed in full here.
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