Study Overview
A recent study from University College London (UCL) has revealed that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into NHS hospitals is proving to be more challenging than healthcare leaders initially expected. Key complications include:
- Governance issues
- Contractual delays
- Data collection difficulties
- Staff training requirements
Study Details
Published in The Lancet eClinicalMedicine on September 10, 2025, the study evaluated a Β£21 million NHS England initiative launched in 2023 aimed at utilizing AI for diagnosing chest conditions, including lung cancer, across 66 NHS hospital trusts.
Researchers conducted interviews with hospital staff and AI suppliers to assess the procurement and implementation processes, identifying both challenges and facilitators.
Key Findings
The study found that:
- Contracting for AI tools took between four and ten months longer than expected.
- By June 2025, 23 out of 66 hospital trusts had not yet integrated the tools into clinical practice, 18 months after the expected completion date.
Challenges Faced
Dr. Angus Ramsay, the study’s lead author, highlighted several significant challenges:
- Clinical staff were already overwhelmed with existing workloads, making it difficult to engage in the AI selection process.
- Integrating AI with local IT systems proved complex due to outdated technology.
- There was a general skepticism among staff regarding the effectiveness of AI in healthcare.
Recommendations
The researchers concluded that while AI tools could enhance diagnostic services, they may not alleviate current pressures in healthcare as easily as policymakers hope. They recommend:
- Training NHS staff on effective and safe AI usage.
- Utilizing dedicated project management to oversee future implementations.
Conclusion
Professor Naomi Fulop, a senior author of the study, emphasized the complexity of introducing diagnostic tools across the diverse NHS landscape. The findings from this research are expected to inform future strategies for AI integration in healthcare, aligning with the UK government’s 10-year health plan that prioritizes digital transformation.