AI saves clinicians time but most lack training, survey finds

A global survey by Philips showed that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping healthcare professionals save significant time and improve efficiency, but training on the technology remains insufficient, inconsistent, or unavailable in many organizations.

The Philips Future Health Index was based on two quantitative surveys covering 2,011 healthcare professionals and 20,085 patients across 10 countries. The findings highlight both the growing adoption of AI in healthcare and the challenges that come with its rapid expansion.

According to the study, healthcare professionals are using AI in a variety of ways, including as a “buddy” for discussing work-related ideas, transcribing clinical notes, and scheduling patient appointments. On the clinical side, AI tools are being used to flag potentially dangerous drug interactions, suggest possible diagnoses based on symptoms, and assist in analyzing X-rays and other medical scans.

The survey found that 46% of healthcare professionals reported saving at least 132 hours per year on average due to AI use, while 50% said it has increased their capacity to see more patients. Respondents also said AI helps them work more accurately, stay updated with medical research, and analyze complex cases more effectively.

However, adoption of AI within healthcare organizations is lagging behind individual use. About 64% of clinicians said they rely on personal AI tools when official workplace systems do not meet their needs. Meanwhile, 70% reported that AI training at their organizations is limited, unavailable, or inconsistent.

Philips Chief Innovation Officer Shez Partovi said organizations are not moving quickly enough to provide the necessary tools and training. The report emphasized that structured, role-specific training is essential to help clinicians build both digital skills and clinical judgment for effective AI use.

Despite the benefits, trust and oversight remain critical. The survey found that 90% of healthcare professionals believe a human must remain involved in decision-making as AI advances, while 86% said all AI outputs require human supervision. -Reporting by Vera Dvorakova and Lucie Barbier in Gdansk, Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak/Reuters