AI in Healthcare
Looking to the future, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform cancer care – from research and development to screening, diagnosis, treatment and patient support. Momentum is building at a rapid pace, but public and patient trust will be critical in how it is adopted into the health system. The public’s perspective of this has not been quantified and considered in how we shape the future use of AI in healthcare in Ireland.
To begin this important conversation, AstraZeneca Ireland commissioned Ipsos B&A to conduct a nationally representative survey of over 1,000 adults to understand the Irish public’s views on AI’s role in health and cancer care.
The survey also asked how the Irish public views cancer services in Ireland today.
1All statistics referenced are from a survey of 1,056 adults, conducted via Ipsos B&A’s syndicated Online Omnibus survey, amongst a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18+ via Ipsos B&A’s proprietary Acumen Panel.
“It's clear that people in Ireland are open to using AI to improve cancer services, in particular to help gather key information quickly and to reduce waiting times for procedures and appointments. Of course, they still want their healthcare provider to make the final decisions and provide personalised care. As we work to optimally integrate AI into future strategies on cancer prevention, screening and treatment, patient privacy and data governance are key aspects requiring careful attention. "
"As AI becomes more embedded in cancer services, we must ensure it does not deepen existing inequalities or create new barriers for those with lower digital confidence or limited access to technology. That is why the patient voice is so important. We must also invest in AI literacy, transparency, and equitable access so that every patient can benefit from these advances."
"We are at a key crossroads. Our existing National Cancer Strategy is nearing its end, and we know demand for cancer care will keep growing as our population ages and grows, and as more people live longer with cancer than ever before. We need to properly fund every stage of cancer care. Some of this is about longer-term investment — screening is the clearest example, and scrimping here will cost us dearly down the line. But we also need to make the most of the technologies available to us today, and ensure patients can access innovative treatments now, not years from now. That is exactly why getting the new strategy right matters so much."
“These findings come at a pivotal moment for cancer care in Ireland. With the National Cancer Strategy due to conclude in the coming months, there is a real opportunity to shape a future where innovation, data and AI can support earlier detection, more personalised treatment and better outcomes for patients. Through this campaign, AstraZeneca hopes to help spark an informed and constructive conversation about how AI and innovation can be integrated responsibly into cancer care as public expectations and healthcare capabilities continue to evolve."