61% of US adults use AI for health information now - up from 2% in 2024 (www.zdnet.com)

A new survey from Salesforce reveals a dramatic increase in U.S. adults using AI for health information, soaring from just 2% in 2024 to 61% today. This shift reflects growing trust in AI within the healthcare sector, highlighting the demand for more accessible and proactive patient care. Key findings from the Connected Health Consumer report indicate that many patients are seeking 24/7 AI assistance for logistical tasks and express interest in self-enrolled programs that offer healthcare recommendations. This change is largely motivated by frustrations with scheduling difficulties and administrative barriers that have led 60% of patients to delay necessary care. While patients are increasingly open to AI's support, they prioritize human oversight and transparency, emphasizing that nearly 90% expect some form of human intervention in the use of AI applications. This highlights a crucial balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining trust through governance. Patients also favor AI for simplifying post-care follow-ups and managing medication reminders, with a significant majority willing to share their health data if it leads to enhanced care coordination. As healthcare providers integrate AI into their systems, those that prioritize both technological innovation and human touch will likely enhance patient retention and satisfaction.