A survey by nuom found that 67% of UK adults support healthcare technology, but trust in AI remains low. Only 19% trust AI for personalised health advice, 15% for mental health support, and 50% for appointment management. Public trust issues and AI’s perception problem hinder its adoption in healthcare.
New independent research commissioned by health technology consultancy nuom reveals a significant gap between the UK public’s general acceptance of healthcare technology and their trust in artificial intelligence (AI) within the sector.
The findings indicate that while there is widespread support for technological advancements that ease the burden on healthcare professionals, trust in AI remains notably low, particularly in areas requiring personalised or mental health support.
To address concerns about AI reliability in healthcare, tools like an AI Detector can help verify the authenticity and accuracy of AI-generated medical insights, ensuring greater transparency and trust in AI-powered health solutions.
The survey was conducted by independent market research agency Opinium between 31st January and 4th February 2025, with a sample of 2,000 UK adults. Opinium is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner Service, adhering to strict guidelines on research integrity, data collection, and analysis. The survey sample was nationally representative, covering age, gender, region, employment status, and political views to ensure balanced and accurate findings.
Public attitudes towards technology in healthcare
The study, conducted by independent market research agency Opinium, surveyed 2,000 UK adults between 31st January and 4th February 2025. It found that:
- 67% of respondents support the increased use of technology in healthcare to free up professionals to focus on patients who need care the most.
- 50% of respondents are comfortable with AI being used for administrative tasks such as managing appointments.
- 29% trust AI to provide basic health advice.
The popularity of wearable devices and digital health applications may be contributing to this positive perception, with 67% of respondents agreeing that such tools help individuals take greater responsibility for their health and well-being. However, the survey highlights a sharp decline in trust when AI is applied to more personal aspects of healthcare.
Concerns over AI in personalised healthcare and mental health support
Despite recognising AI’s potential to alleviate pressure on the UK healthcare system, 61% of respondents feel that there is insufficient evidence to prove AI’s reliability and trustworthiness in medical applications. This lack of confidence is particularly pronounced in areas requiring personalised or sensitive care:
- Only 19% of respondents would feel confident relying on AI to deliver personalised health advice based on their medical history.
- Just 14% would trust AI to replace a doctor’s appointment for minor health issues through AI-powered chatbots.
- Merely 15% of respondents would trust AI to assist with mental health support through well-being tools and applications.
These figures suggest that AI still faces significant scepticism, particularly in areas where human judgement and empathy are essential.
The AI perception challenge in healthcare
While over half (53%) of respondents acknowledge AI’s potential to reduce the strain on the UK health system, the study indicates that AI continues to struggle with a perception problem. A key concern is the public’s lack of understanding and education about AI’s role in healthcare.
Martin Sandhu, Managing Partner at nuom, commented on this issue, stating:
“People are becoming increasingly engaged in the maintenance of their own health, with technology like wearables and apps now part of everyday life. There’s a growing recognition that these tools can help individuals manage their well-being while also easing pressure on healthcare services. Yet, when it comes to AI, that same openness hasn’t fully taken hold – trust remains a major hurdle.
“The truth is, AI has a bit of a PR problem. To many, it still suggests images of impersonal robots, overly complex systems, or sci-fi hype. However, it’s not about replacing human care; it’s about enhancing it. Whether it’s managing appointments or supporting personalised health advice, AI can play a major role in making healthcare more efficient and accessible. The challenge? Without clear communication, these benefits often get lost in the noise.
“As AI becomes more common in healthcare, building public trust will be important. Tech providers need to be clear about how their technology works and how it complements the care people already rely on and communicate this in a transparent way. Just as we’ve seen with other health technologies, once people understand the real value AI can bring – especially in helping to ease the strain on the health service – they’re far more likely to embrace it.”
Building trust in AI through transparency
The survey findings indicate that greater transparency and public education will be crucial to improving trust in AI-driven healthcare. Addressing concerns about reliability, ethical considerations, and data security may help bridge the trust gap and encourage broader acceptance of AI in the sector.
As AI continues to develop, the challenge for health technology providers is to communicate its benefits clearly, demonstrating how AI solutions can enhance, rather than replace, human-led care.
About nuom
nuom is a health technology consultancy based in Nottingham, dedicated to helping companies in the healthcare sector design, develop, and implement digital health solutions that improve patient outcomes. The company integrates innovation, design thinking, and operational efficiency to create accessible and impactful healthcare technologies.
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.
