A recent poll suggests that while most people are open to sharing health data for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the , they still value human interaction.

The Health Foundation commissioned a survey of 7,200 individuals, revealing that 75% support sharing some personal health data to aid AI use in the NHS. However, concerns were raised about reduced contact with medical professionals and the NHS accessing other personal information, such as data collected through .

Currently, AI is utilised in the NHS to assist staff in areas like clinical decision making, analysing scans and test results, and scheduling appointments. The poll showed a willingness to share data related to eye health (59%), medication usage (58%), and long-term illnesses (57%).

Yet, less than half were comfortable sharing smartphone-tracked data like sleep activity (47%) or sexual health information (44%). Respondents also expressed reluctance towards the NHS accessing shopping data from loyalty cards or information gathered via social media platforms.

There was also hesitation towards tools that could potentially create distance between patients and NHS staff, such as care robots. A recent survey revealed that 50% of respondents would not want a robot to deliver personal care such as assistance with washing and dressing, while 33% were in favour and 17% were unsure.

The study also found that 42% were comfortable with robots assisting in surgery, but 36% were against the idea. Approximately half of the participants were content for computer software to aid staff in deciding when they should be seen (48% versus 35% against), and a similar number approved of it helping decide on treatment (50% versus 31% against).

However, the ability to see and speak to NHS staff was named as the most important factor when considering in healthcare, particularly among older people.

The poll also discovered that individuals from lower-income households, where the main earner is semi-skilled, unskilled or unemployed, are significantly less likely to support the use of their health data than those from other socioeconomic groups. Some 39% in the lowest socio-economic group said they would not be willing to share, compared with 16% in the highest group (comprising intermediate managerial, administrative and professional occupations).

Despite this, public trust in the NHS to safeguard data was strong, with around two-thirds of people expressing high or moderate levels of trust. Overall, 51% believed technology helped improve healthcare, compared to 8% who think it did not and 29% who thought it does not change the quality.

Dr Malte Gerhold, the Health Foundation's director of innovation and improvement, emphasised: "It is only with the public’s support that the Government will successfully achieve its ambition of shifting the NHS from analogue to digital.

"It is encouraging that most people are open to sharing their data to develop AI systems in the NHS. When properly implemented, we know that AI has the potential to free up staff by supporting clinical and administrative tasks. However, these systems are only as good as the data used to design and develop them."