Over half of NHS Trusts deploying AI – FOI request shows

Over half of NHS Trusts (52%) are already deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with 20% of them using them for clinical care, and 16% using them for clinical diagnosis, a Freedom of Information request has revealed. The data was obtained by a Freedom of Information request from cloud data services provider NetApp, with 61 Trusts responding, after the UK Government announced its investment in AI in the National Health Service (NHS). The request asked Trusts around their current and future use of AI-related technologies to deliver health services, and how mature their data infrastructures are in delivering successful AI projects. George Kurian, NetApp CEO and president, said: "Artificial intelligence has limitless potential in healthcare services and it's encouraging to see the technology being used in half of NHS Trusts. As healthcare moves towards preventative treatment and personalised medicines, artificial intelligence leaders in the NHS have a complex challenge to break through cultural and organisational barriers when it comes to providing healthcare professionals the access to data they require. "Progress is being made and the further deployment of AI-powered technologies – such as speech recognition and machine learning – will alleviate pressure on staff, accelerate innovation and reduce costs.