A new survey has identified considerable concern among Irish people regarding the use of AI in clinical decision-making. The survey, which was commissioned by AstraZeneca and conducted by Ipsos B&A, reveals that one in two of over 1,000 Irish adults are concerned about doctors using AI alongside their own expertise to make decisions.
Almost one in three expressed concern about AI being used in their care – diagnosis, treatment or aftercare – without their knowledge. Two-thirds were worried about losing the personal connection with their doctors and 68 per cent were concerned that AI would replace doctors and nurses.
However, the vast majority of respondents (70%) were comfortable with AI tools being used to reduce waiting times by helping hospitals to predict bed usage and staffing. A further 64 per cent were in favour of using AI to speed up diagnostic test results, with 63 per centre supporting the use of AI in radiology. More than two-thirds (67%) were in favour of using AI tools to help doctors reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork in order to spend more time on patient care. However, almost half (46%) were uncomfortable with the use of AI to recommend treatments based on its analysis of current medical evidence.
The survey also reports growing trust in AI. More than 30 per cent of respondents said their trust in AI had increased somewhat or significantly in the last 12 months. This was higher in those aged 16-34 years. However, 17 per cent said their trust in AI has decreased.
Two in three respondents (68%) reported using public AI tools in some capacity in the last three months and 32 per cent used them for health purposes. About one in four people had used AI tools to look up symptoms, research a health condition or get lifestyle advice. Participants also reported using AI tools to help understand test results, learn more about medicines, and find mental health and wellness support. These rates were generally higher in relation to cancer. Approximately 44 per cent had not used an AI tool for health.
AI for transformation
Most (56%) agreed that AI will change or transform healthcare in the next five years.
The survey was unveiled at the launch of a new campaign by AstraZeneca Ireland – Perspectives Matter: Shaping the Future of Cancer Care Together. The initiative aims to bring people together to “ask big questions” and help shape the future of cancer care in Ireland.
Speaking at the campaign launch, Dr Maria Orr, Vice-President and Head of Diagnostic Projects and Innovation at AstraZeneca, said: “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.”
Prof Maeve Lowery, Consultant Medical Oncologist at St James’s Hospital, commented: “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.”
Miriam Staunton, Chair of the United Cancer Advocates Network (UCAN Ireland), added: “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.”
The survey of 1,056 adults was carried out via Ipsos B&A’s syndicated Online Omnibus survey, amongst a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and over, via Ipsos B&A’s proprietary Acumen Panel. Questions were completed between 30th April and 12th May 2026.
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