What's Happening?
A recent survey conducted by Wolters Kluwer Health highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) among clinicians and patients. The 2026 Future Ready Healthcare Survey Report, which gathered insights from 355 clinicians and 254 patients nationwide,
reveals that 35% of clinicians use AI multiple times daily for work, while 40% of patients use AI at least once daily in their personal lives. The report notes a significant increase in AI usage among physicians and nurses, with physicians' usage tripling from 10% in 2025 to 38% in 2026, and nurses' usage doubling from 16% to 32% year-over-year. Despite the growing adoption, the survey also highlights concerns among both groups regarding AI's implementation in healthcare. Clinicians express worries about 'deskilling' due to overreliance on AI tools, and AI hallucinations, while patients are concerned about accountability if AI contributes to harm during care.
Why It's Important?
The findings from the Wolters Kluwer Health survey underscore the transformative impact AI is having on healthcare practices and patient engagement. As AI becomes more integrated into clinical settings, it offers potential benefits such as improved patient health literacy and increased efficiency in finding care-related information. However, the concerns raised by clinicians and patients highlight the need for robust governance and trust-building measures to address issues like AI hallucinations, bias, and data monetization. The pressure is on healthcare leaders to bridge the trust gap and ensure AI tools are used responsibly, which could significantly influence the future of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
What's Next?
Healthcare leaders are tasked with closing the trust gap identified in the survey by implementing visible organizational governance and providing trusted content to address concerns. This involves developing strategies to mitigate risks associated with AI use, such as deskilling and accountability issues. As AI continues to shape the patient journey and clinical decision-making, healthcare organizations must balance innovation with ethical considerations to maintain trust and drive effective solutions. The ongoing dialogue between clinicians, patients, and AI developers will be crucial in navigating these challenges and optimizing AI's role in healthcare.
Beyond the Headlines
The survey results point to broader implications for the healthcare industry, including the need for ethical frameworks and policies to guide AI use. As AI tools become more prevalent, there is a risk of exacerbating existing biases and inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes. Addressing these concerns requires collaboration among stakeholders to ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that prioritize patient safety and equity. The evolving landscape of AI in healthcare also raises questions about the future role of human clinicians and the skills required to effectively integrate AI into practice.
