A recent survey by Bain and Company, the "US Frontline of Healthcare," highlights a notable shift in patient attitudes toward generative artificial intelligence in healthcare. According to the study, US patients express greater comfort However, there remains a cautionary note among healthcare providers, with 19% of physicians and 17% of administrators worried that AI could undermine the patient-clinician relationship. This concern echoes historical apprehensions about technology, such as those seen with telehealth, which has since been embraced as a complement to in-person care. The survey also reveals that while 43% of providers acknowledge AI's potential to alleviate administrative burdens, there is a significant gap in readiness for widespread AI adoption. Eric Berger of Bain and Company emphasizes the importance of integrating AI in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, the patient-clinician relationship. Despite these challenges, Bain’s research underscores AI's potential to improve efficiency in healthcare settings, particularly in managing patient flow and scheduling, which could address long-standing issues like wait times.
