Philips Future Health Index 2026: AI is already reshaping frontline care across the UK, but readiness gaps remain

That is according to Philips’ Future Health Index 2026, the largest global survey of its kind, based on perspectives from healthcare professionals and patients across the UK and around the world.

The findings show AI is already delivering measurable impact in frontline care. Clinicians say AI saves them time every week. In fact, 42% reported time savings of at least 132 hours per year on average, or the equivalent of more than three full working weeks. More than a third (36%) say AI is helping them see more patients.

Clinicians saving time are also using it differently: more than half (52%) of them say AI enables more detailed interactions with patients. Overall improvements seen by clinicians include 57% reporting greater confidence in clinical decision-making and nearly half (45%) who say AI has improved their work-life balance.

However, the findings also highlight growing challenges as adoption accelerates. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of clinicians report that AI training is inadequate, inconsistent or unavailable within their organisation. More than half (56%) say they use personal AI tools when workplace solutions do not meet their needs.

"These findings come at a critical moment for the NHS. Healthcare teams are facing rising demand, persistent workforce shortages and pressure to reduce waiting lists, while also adapting to one of the most significant technological shifts in decades."

"What stands out is the pace of change. Clinicians are already using AI to save time, support decision-making and create more capacity for patient care. Healthcare systems are now having to evolve around that reality."

"AI is not a replacement for clinicians, but it can help give valuable time back to healthcare teams. The challenge now is making sure these benefits can be scaled safely and consistently across the health system. Clinicians are already changing how they work with AI. Healthcare organisations need the infrastructure, training and governance to help turn that momentum into lasting improvements in patient care."

The report findings suggest the next phase of AI adoption will depend less on access to technology itself, and more on how effectively healthcare organisations support workforce readiness, strengthen governance and embed AI safely into everyday clinical practice.

Dr. Qaiser Malik, Clinical Director of Radiology at MSE NHS Trust, said, “This is an important piece of work that highlights how AI is beginning to shape the future of healthcare. We need more evidence like this to help the medical community harness technology and navigate an increasingly challenging healthcare landscape."

"There also needs to be more work around regulation and real-world applications of AI, rather than esoteric solutions that do not make a meaningful difference in practice."