Italians Embrace AI in Healthcare: Simplifying Medical Reports and Improving Diagnostics, but Concerns About Losing Personal Touch Loom

Italians are generally open to the use of AI in healthcare, with over 6 out of 10 expressing favor for its implementation. Among those who support AI, there are various reasons why they believe it could be beneficial.

One of the primary reasons is simplifying the language of reports. Over 88% of Italians would use AI to make medical information more accessible and easier to understand. Similarly, about 86% would rely on AI to support diagnosing and treatment decisions. Lastly, almost 6 out of 10 would use AI for self-analysis purposes.

Despite these potential benefits, however, many Italians also have concerns about the impact of AI on the doctor-patient relationship. About 7 out of 10 fear that it could lead to a loss of personal touch between doctors and patients. This concern was particularly prevalent among older individuals and those from rural areas.

The survey by EngageMinds Hub at the Catholic University’s Cremona campus shed light on these concerns and identified some key demographic trends in attitudes towards AI in healthcare. For instance, those from Southern Italy and islands were more likely to be supportive of AI (68%) than those from Northern Italy (57%). Additionally, politically center-oriented individuals were more likely to embrace AI than those who leaned left or right (67% vs. 49%). Furthermore, faith in the National Health System (74%) and institutions (77%) was positively correlated with support for AI.

To address these concerns, Graffigna emphasized the importance of addressing them transparently and promoting patient engagement in the treatment process.

In conclusion, while there are certainly risks associated with implementing AI in healthcare, many Italians see it as a promising tool that could improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery processes. However, it is essential that we continue to engage with patients and address their concerns transparently to ensure that this technology is implemented effectively and ethically in Italian healthcare systems.