AI in healthcare: Microsoft reports promising uptake

The area which grew at the greatest rate was research level AI which increased by 13% in the previous 12 months. Robot process automation (RPA) and general automation both also increased by 10%, while voice recognition technology grew by 9%. The study, which was undertaken by YouGov, sought the responses of 1,000 business leaders and 4,000 UK healthcare industry employees. The sample was comprised of 84 healthcare leaders and 140 healthcare employees including NHS staff. Darren Atkins, Chief Technology Officer at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, commented: "AI in healthcare is an extremely exciting prospect. It is not about replacing staff, but allowing them to maximise their skills, be more efficient, spend more time with patients and, ultimately, get better outcomes."