Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a fixture in European healthcare systems, offering potential solutions to strained resources and increasing patient demands. A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a widespread adoption of AI in healthcare across the continent, with 50 surveyed countries already utilizing the technology in various capacities. While concerns surrounding AI ethics and regulation persist, the study highlights a prevailing belief that the opportunities presented by AI outweigh the potential risks.
The WHO’s first comprehensive study on AI integration in European health systems demonstrates that countries are moving forward, despite existing legal ambiguities. The report indicates that current applications focus largely on practical, immediate improvements to existing workflows rather than ambitious, long-term goals like drug discovery. This suggests a cautious, yet optimistic, approach to deploying this transformative technology.
The Growing Role of AI Diagnostics in Europe
The most common use of AI currently is in diagnostics, reported by 64% of the countries surveyed. Applications span specialties like ophthalmology, radiology, and dermatology, assisting clinicians in identifying and assessing conditions. France, Portugal, Hungary, Sweden, and the Netherlands are leading the way, already employing AI-assisted diagnostics for the past two years with plans for continued implementation, according to the WHO.
However, implementation isn’t uniform. The United Kingdom and Italy are reported to be using AI diagnostics “informally,” limiting application to a few clinical settings due to a lack of formal policies. Meanwhile, countries like Spain, Poland, Belgium, Serbia, and Ukraine are still in the trial phase of evaluating AI’s diagnostic capabilities. Speeding up the diagnostic process is a key benefit; for instance, Slovakia reduced the time oncologists spend on organ-contouring by 50% using an AI-powered software, while ensuring adherence to international standards.
Beyond diagnostics, 50% of countries report using AI for patient-facing chatbots, providing preliminary assistance and information. Automation of logistical and administrative tasks is also significant, being implemented in 40% of the surveyed nations. This administrative streamlining utilizes healthcare information systems to a greater degree.
Leading Nations and Implementation Barriers
The report identifies France and Spain as frontrunners in AI implementation amongst Europe’s largest economies. France has established AI practices in surgery, diagnostics, and symptom checking, with further applications in the pilot stage. Spain is similarly advanced, with clear processes in place for AI-assisted surgery, administrative tasks, and chatbot interactions.
Interestingly, the UK’s AI adoption appears less formalized; chatbots are the only clearly established application with other areas existing in trial or informal use. Italy, while utilizing AI informally across multiple areas, does not have any codified applications. Germany did not participate in this section of the survey, leaving its position unclear.
Despite the enthusiasm, significant hurdles remain. According to the WHO, legal uncertainty is the primary obstacle to wider AI adoption in health, cited by 86% of countries. This concern surpasses even financial affordability, which was reported as a barrier by 78%. Addressing these ambiguities is essential to fostering innovation and ensuring responsible deployment of artificial intelligence.
However, the report offers some encouragement. More than half of the surveyed states (54%) have regulatory agencies responsible for assessing and approving AI systems, and cross-country collaboration to build stronger AI governance is beginning to emerge.
European states are primarily focused on applying AI to address existing challenges. Improving patient care (70%), alleviating pressures on overworked medical staff (62%), and reducing inefficiencies (54%) were identified as the most relevant objectives. While advancing research and drug discovery (24%) and reducing inequalities (38%) are also considered important, they are less frequently prioritized in the short term.
The future of AI in healthcare in Europe hinges on resolving the legal uncertainties and fostering greater regulatory cooperation. Continued monitoring of AI adoption and its impact on patient outcomes and workforce dynamics will be crucial. Stakeholders should pay close attention to national and international policy developments to understand how these influence the evolution of AI within the healthcare sector.
