A survey by nuom reveals that 65% of UK adults with disabilities fear AI in healthcare may prioritize efficiency over personalised care. Concerns include exclusion due to technological confidence (73%) and potential marginalisation as AI becomes widespread (37%). The survey stresses the importance of inclusive design to address these issues.
A recent independent survey conducted by nuom, a healthtech consultancy, has revealed significant concerns among UK adults with disabilities regarding the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The research highlights fears that advancements in AI may prioritise speed and efficiency over the personalised care that is crucial for some patients, leading to possible exclusion and inequality.
The independent survey was conducted between 31st January and 4th February 2025 among 2,000 UK adults through an online survey conducted by the market research agency Opinium. Opinium adheres to strict quality standards and codes of conduct set by the Market Research Society (MRS), ensuring that the data sample is nationally representative and weighted by factors such as age, gender, region, employment status, and political views.
The Impact of AI on Personalised Healthcare
The survey, which involved 2,000 UK adults, shows that 65% of respondents with a disability believe that the growing role of AI in healthcare could lead to a focus on efficiency, potentially diminishing the essential human support that many patients rely on. The findings suggest that while AI has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes, it must be designed inclusively to avoid exacerbating existing healthcare inequalities.
The concerns raised are not limited to the speed of healthcare delivery. Over a third (37%) of respondents worry they will be left behind as AI technologies become more prevalent in the sector. This highlights the need for accessible solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all patients, particularly those with disabilities, who already face barriers to healthcare access.
Technology Exclusion Fears
Another significant concern raised by the survey is the potential exclusion of individuals who are not confident using technology. Almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents with a disability expressed concerns that AI-driven healthcare tools could exclude people who struggle with technology. This is a pressing issue, as 16.1 million adults in the UK, or 24% of the population, live with a disability, and many of them are at risk of being left behind by a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
While these concerns are valid, there is recognition that AI can offer substantial benefits if implemented with accessibility in mind. The survey found that 74% of respondents believe that companies developing AI for healthcare should involve people with disabilities in the design process to ensure the technology meets their needs effectively. This inclusive approach would help create tools that not only improve healthcare outcomes but also ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of innovation.
Despite the concerns, there is some level of trust in AI among people with disabilities. The survey revealed that 48% of respondents would trust AI tools to assist with tasks such as medication reminders and automatic repeat prescriptions. This suggests that, when designed with accessibility at the forefront, AI could provide valuable support in areas where efficiency and accuracy are critical, particularly in managing ongoing medical treatments.
The Role of Inclusive Design in AI Healthcare Tools
Martin Sandhu, Managing Partner at nuom, emphasises the importance of inclusive design in the development of AI technologies for healthcare. He explains, “The benefits of AI in healthcare are becoming more well known, from improving outcomes to easing pressure on stretched frontline services. But without inclusive design at its core, there’s a real risk that these technologies could widen the very inequalities they’re meant to help address.”
He further adds, “Our research shows that many people with disabilities fear being left behind by rapid developments in healthcare technologies. That’s why it’s essential they’re involved in the design and development process from the start, not as an afterthought, but as active contributors.”
Sandhu concludes, “Done well, AI has the potential to improve accessibility, offer more personalised care, and support greater independence. But to get there, we need to build systems that work for everyone.”
About nuom
nuom is a healthtech consultancy based in Nottingham, specialising in the design and development of digital health solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes. By combining innovation, design thinking, and creativity, nuom helps healthcare companies build accessible, intuitive, and impactful technologies that make a real difference in the lives of patients.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium’s platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi’s work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.
