The European Commission released a study on the deployment of AI in healthcare, highlighting barriers such as data, regulatory, and organisational challenges, and outlining actions to support the responsible and sustainable integration of AI in health systems
Healthcare systems across Europe are under growing strain β from aging populations and the rise of chronic diseases to escalating costs and workforce shortages.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to alleviate some of these challenges by enhancing efficiency, easing administrative burdens, and supporting diagnosis and treatment. However, despite the growing number of AI-based tools, their integration into clinical practice remains limited.
To better understand why, the European Commission recently released a comprehensive study on the deployment of AI in healthcare. Using a mixed-methods approach β combining literature review and stakeholder consultations β the study highlights several barriers to adoption, including technological and data limitations, legal and regulatory complexities, organisational and business hurdles, and broader social and cultural challenges.
The report also outlines key recommendations to facilitate the sustainable and effective uptake of AI in healthcare, including:
Establishing common standards for data governance and interoperability;
Creating centres of excellence for AI in healthcare;
Consolidating funding and introducing new financing mechanisms;
Conducting local performance testing and post-deployment monitoring;
Developing a catalogue of certified AI solutions in healthcare.
These actions aim to ensure that AI technologies deliver real value for patients, clinicians, and health systems alike.
The report can be read at this link.
