Europeans Are Open to AI, but Human Connections Still Matter
Nemzetközi hírek, 06 Aug 2026
Satisfaction with healthcare systems remains low across the countries surveyed, while artificial intelligence is becoming part of more people’s health-related decisions, according to the STADA Health Report 2026. Eighty-two percent of respondents are open to AI playing a role in their care, but 77 percent still rely on their general practitioner or another healthcare professional when making health-related decisions.
The survey found that 56 percent of respondents are satisfied with their country’s healthcare system. This was largely unchanged from the 58 percent recorded in 2025.
The most frequently cited challenge was the shortage of healthcare professionals and the resulting long waiting times, mentioned by 67 percent of participants. An ageing population and chronic health conditions were identified by 56 percent, the growing number of people affected by mental health issues by 53 percent, and access to affordable healthcare by 43 percent.
When asked what they would change first if they were health minister, 58 percent selected reducing waiting times by increasing the availability of healthcare professionals. Forty-nine percent would improve access to primary care.
The survey also found that people are actively managing their own health. Seventy-eight percent feel well equipped to look after themselves, while 85 percent use at least one tool, such as a fitness tracker or home measurement device, to monitor their health.
Artificial intelligence is already used for health-related purposes by 55 percent of respondents, and 82 percent are open to AI playing a role in their care. Forty-three percent would be willing to give an AI system access to their full health records to improve diagnosis, prevention or treatment.
Openness was greatest for administrative and monitoring tasks. Half of respondents would accept AI arranging appointments and follow-up visits, while 36 percent would use it to take notes during medical consultations or monitor chronic conditions. At the same time, 38 percent are concerned about reduced human interaction, and 35 percent worry that communication with healthcare professionals could deteriorate.
Healthcare professionals continue to play a central role. Seventy-seven percent of respondents named general practitioners or other healthcare professionals, and 57 percent named pharmacists, among the main influences on their health-related decisions. Only 20 percent believe that healthcare professionals will become less important because of AI.
Human8 conducted the online survey on behalf of STADA in February and March 2026. It included respondents aged 18–99 in twenty countries, using representative samples of between 500 and 2,000 people per country, balanced by age, gender and region. For the purposes of the report, the results from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are included in the combined “European” findings.
Source: STADA Health Report 2026 – AI Is Transforming Healthcare.
