Only 30% of health and social care providers using AI, new survey reveals

The health and social care sector is at risk of missing out on AI’s transformative potential, with just 30% of providers using AI tools. This is one of the lowest adoption rates among 12 industries surveyed, ranking just above not-for-profits (29%), according to new research from Access HSC, part of The Access Group.

Despite slow uptake, survey respondents identified a number of benefits. Of those using AI, 83% report positive impacts, including reduced workloads, improved productivity, and cost savings.

Around 76% of respondents in the sector agreed that their organisations would benefit from utilising AI tools, further highlighting the untapped potential.

What the survey found:

• Only 30% of health and social care organisations currently use AI.
• Among those using AI, the biggest benefits identified were reduced workloads (49%), improved productivity (37%), and better team communication (29%).
• Half of respondents say generative AI has yet to ease workload pressures and stress.
• Senior and mid-level managers are more likely to agree that AI has had a positive impact on the workplace
• Data security and privacy remain top concerns, while price and complexity are seen as lesser barriers.

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director at Access Health, Support and Care commented: “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.

“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.

“Approved AI tools, underpinned by clear and regularly updated policies and training, can help organisations deliver a higher standard of service while reducing their workloads.”

By contrast, industries such as technology (74%) and HR (68%) report significantly higher AI adoption, suggesting that concerns around data security and privacy may be holding health and social care back.

The report highlights that younger workers in particular are beginning to recognise AI’s ability to improve productivity, while many senior-level managers see it as a tool for reducing repetitive tasks and enhancing operational accuracy.

Steve added: “Access HSC is committed to supporting organisations within the Health and Social Care Sector to adopt AI responsibly by providing secure, compliant tools.

“By breaking down barriers to adoption, AI can transform services, improve efficiency, and ease pressures on staff across the sector.”

Read the full report here: www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo/insights