Key Takeaways
- About 72 % of U.S. adults say it is extremely or very important that their healthcare provider informs them when AI is being used in their care.
- Large majorities want disclosure for AI‑driven clinical tasks (e.g., analyzing scans, diagnosing conditions, explaining lab results) and even for administrative functions such as note‑taking, scheduling appointments, and prescription refills.
- Only 16 % of respondents believe their providers have ever used AI, while 46 % are unsure and 37 % say it has not been used.
- A majority (53 %) feel they have little or no say over whether AI is used in their healthcare, and 63 % would like more input on AI use—three times the share who are comfortable with their current level of influence.
- Demographic differences appear: White adults are more likely than Black, Hispanic, or Asian adults to demand disclosure for clinical AI uses and to report having little control over AI decisions; higher education correlates with greater awareness of AI use but does not eliminate uncertainty.
Americans Want Transparency About AI Use in Healthcare
The Pew Research Center survey makes clear that patients value openness when artificial intelligence enters the exam room. “Most Americans say it’s highly important that their healthcare provider tells them if they are using AI,” the report notes, with 72 % describing this as extremely or very important. This sentiment cuts across age, gender, education, and racial‑ethnic lines, suggesting a broad consensus that disclosure is a baseline expectation rather than a niche concern. The desire for transparency aligns with ongoing debates about the legal and ethical obligations of clinicians to obtain informed consent before deploying AI tools that could influence diagnosis or treatment.
Patients Expect Disclosure Even for Administrative AI Applications
When asked about specific uses of AI, respondents overwhelmingly favored being told if the technology played a role in tasks that directly affect care. Eight‑in‑ten or more said they should be informed when AI is used to analyze medical scans, make a diagnosis, or explain lab results. Notably, even for behind‑the‑scenes functions, a strong majority wants disclosure: 72 % said they should be told if AI takes notes during an appointment, 64 % for prescription‑refill automation, and 56 % for appointment scheduling. The survey also captured uncertainty, with another 9 % to 10 % of adults unsure whether they need to be informed about each application. As one chart headline summarizes, “Majority of Americans say they should be told if AI is being used in their healthcare, even for administrative tasks.”
A Desire for Greater Patient Control Over AI Decisions
Transparency is only part of the story; many Americans feel they lack influence over whether AI is employed in their care. The largest share—53 %—said they have “not too much or no say” about a provider’s use of AI, while 33 % reported having at least some say. In contrast, only 21 % feel comfortable with their current level of input, and 63 % would like more say—a gap that is threefold. Racial and ethnic differences emerge here: White adults (60 %) are more likely than Hispanic (40 %), Black (43 %), and Asian (42 %) adults to report having little to no say. This disparity underscores that calls for greater patient agency are not uniform across the population and may reflect varying experiences with the healthcare system.
Uncertainty About Whether AI Is Already Being Used
Despite the rapid integration of AI into hospitals and clinics, a substantial portion of the public remains unsure if they have encountered the technology. When asked to the best of their knowledge whether doctors or other providers have used AI in their healthcare, 16 % answered “yes,” 37 % said “no,” and a striking 46 % responded “not sure.” The ambiguity persists across education levels; while 25 % of postgraduate graduates believe their providers have used AI—compared with 11 % of those with a high school diploma or less—uncertainty stays roughly flat, ranging from 46 % to 48 % across groups. Among the minority who affirmed AI use, understanding is mixed: 44 % said they understand it “somewhat well,” 32 % feel they understand it “not too or not at all well,” and only 22 % claim an “extremely or very well” grasp. This pattern suggests that even when patients notice AI, they often lack clear insight into how it is shaping their care.
Demographic Nuances in Attitudes Toward AI Disclosure
Appendix data reveal subtle but meaningful variations in how different groups view AI transparency. For clinical tasks such as diagnosing conditions, analyzing scans, and explaining lab results, White adults show the highest demand for disclosure (86 %, 85 %, and 84 % respectively), followed by Asian (83 %, 84 %, 77 %), Hispanic (72 %, 78 %, 75 %), and Black (64 %, 65 %, 65 %) adults. Similar patterns appear for administrative uses: White adults are more likely than other groups to want to know when AI takes notes (75 % vs. 69 % Hispanic, 62 % Black, 67 % Asian) or manages prescription refills (65 % vs. 64 % Hispanic, 58 % Black, 63 % Asian). These gaps may reflect differing levels of trust, prior experiences with technology‑driven care, or access to information about AI’s role in health services.
Implications for Providers and Policymakers
The survey’s findings point to a clear mandate for healthcare organizations: prioritize open communication about AI deployment. Patients want to know not only when AI influences diagnostic or therapeutic decisions but also when it streamlines routine administrative work. At the same time, the widespread feeling of limited control signals an opportunity to implement shared‑decision‑making models that let patients weigh the benefits and risks of AI‑assisted care. Addressing racial and educational disparities in awareness and perceived agency will be essential to avoid exacerbating existing inequities. As AI continues to evolve, aligning its use with patient expectations for transparency and participation will be key to maintaining trust and ensuring that technological advances serve the interests of all patients.
Americans want transparency when AI is used in their healthcare