Artificial intelligence in health systems of the WHO European region: implementation, applications, opportunities, and barriers.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in healthcare, with the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance health system efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making. This study provides an overview of the current landscape, exploring how Member States are prioritizing AI in response to health system needs, engaging key stakeholders, and addressing critical enablers such as workforce upskilling and preparedness. This study is based on a cross-sectional survey developed and administered by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, which was launched in June 2024 and remained open until March 2025. All responses were consolidated into a standardized database, reviewed for internal consistency, and analyzed using an exploratory, descriptive approach. Results are presented as percentages and absolute values, disaggregated at the regional, subregional, and EU27 levels. The survey response rate was 94%, with 50 out of 53 Member States participating. The top opportunities rated by Member States for the use of AI in health were improving patient care and health outcomes (96%; 48/50), reducing pressure on the healthcare workforce (92%; 46/50), and enhancing health system efficiency (90%; 45/50). The most commonly reported applications of AI included AI-assisted diagnostics (64%; 32/50), conversational platforms or chatbots (50%; 25/50). The highest rated barriers rated to widespread adoption were legal uncertainty (48%; 24/50) and financial affordability (46%; 23/50). In terms of collaboration and engagement, 72% of Member States (36/50) reported stakeholder involvement, primarily through focus groups (46%; 23/50) and informal meetings, seminars, or workshops (44%; 22/50). Of the 36 Member States reporting at least one form of engagement, the stakeholders most frequently engaged were government actors (81%; 29/36), healthcare providers (75%; 27/36), and AI developers (75%; 27/36), whereas patient associations (42%; 15/36) and the general public (22%; 8/36) were less commonly involved. Finally, with regard to health workforce education and AI literacy, the study highlights a significant gap in preparedness, where only 24% of Member States (12/50) reported offering in-service AI training for the health workforce, and 20% (10/50) offered pre-service training. The integration of AI in healthcare across the WHO European Region is advancing rapidly, demonstrating potential to enhance patient outcomes and alleviating workforce pressures. However, its widespread and equitable adoption remains limited by challenges related to affordability, regulatory and legal ambiguities, insufficient patient engagement, and the need for strategic investment in workforce training and upskilling.