The Censuswide survey, commissioned by payment provider, Access Paysuite, found that just over half (52%) of NHS trusts have already invested in AI solutions, with decision makers viewing increased adoption as critical to service delivery in the next five years. 

Giulio Montemagno, managing director of Access PaySuite, said: ‘This snapshot reveals the opportunity for the NHS to make significant leaps in AI adoption over the coming years. It's clear that there is great interest across the public sector about the potential for AI to have a transformative impact on service delivery.'

Almost two-thirds (62%) of NHS decision makers view AI as being very important or critical to healthcare delivery in the next three to five years. The key drivers of adoption are user engagement (45%) and wider digital transformation strategies (41%). 

The amount of NHS trusts that have already invested in AI solutions is below the average for the rest of the public sector (58%), however, and is even further behind private sector companies where 83% are investing and 45% have comprehensive strategies in place. 

Montemagno added: ‘It's perhaps not hugely surprising that the private sector is charging ahead when it comes to AI adoption, but this presents a big opportunity for innovative public sector organisations to learn from the experiences across different sectors and implement the right solutions for maximum impact.'

The growing appetite for AI aligns with the UK Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which urges responsible AI adoption across the public sector to deliver better services, increase efficiency and strengthen decision-making. However, Access PaySuite's study shows that almost a quarter of public sector organisations feel unprepared to implement and manage AI solutions.

Driving productivity through AI is one of the five ‘big bets' on financial sustainability identified in the Government's 10-Year Health Plan.