A recent snapshot from the Philips Future Health Index 2025 reveals a significant trust gap in the adoption of AI for cardiac care, despite healthcare professionals (HCPs) recognizing its immense potential. While cardiologists are optimistic about AI’s ability to streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes, patients themselves remain wary, citing concerns about losing the human touch in their care.
The report, based on a survey of healthcare leaders, professionals, and patients across 16 countries, highlights a stark difference in perspectives. A vast majority of cardiac care professionals believe AI can help with tasks like automating repetitive duties, improving diagnostic accuracy, and enabling earlier interventions. In fact, 91% of these professionals find their purpose in connecting with patients, and they see AI as a tool to free up time for this critical human interaction.
However, the patient perspective presents a contrasting view. Only 56% of cardiac patients surveyed are optimistic about AI’s potential to improve healthcare. Their primary concern is that technology could make healthcare less personal and more transactional. This sentiment is amplified by an alarming finding: nine out of ten patients globally report delays in seeing a specialist, with an average wait time of nearly 12 weeks. One in three said their condition worsened while they waited, leading to hospitalization.
This “trust gap” is a major barrier to the widespread adoption of AI in cardiology. The report suggests that building patient trust is crucial for success. Patients feel more comfortable with AI when their doctors and nurses clearly explain its purpose and benefits.
On the professional side, the trust gap stems from a need for clearer guidelines. More than one in three cardiac care professionals are seeking greater clarity on legal liability and assurance that AI systems are transparent and monitored. This highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure AI is used safely and ethically.
The Philips report emphasizes that to unlock the full potential of AI in cardiac care, the focus must shift from simply implementing technology to building trust and ensuring transparency. By involving both patients and professionals in the development and deployment of AI, and by establishing clear, ethical guardrails, the healthcare system can bridge this gap and harness AI to deliver better care for all.
