SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 15, 2025 – A groundbreaking new report from Royal Philips has unveiled the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare as we know it—if healthcare systems, providers, and patients are willing to trust it. The Future Health Index (FHI) 2025 sheds light on a stark reality: millions of people worldwide are waiting months for care, and the pressure on overburdened health workers is at a breaking point. Yet, as this global crisis deepens, AI emerges as a hopeful solution ready to relieve stress, reduce delays, and bring healthcare into the future.
Long Waits, Lost Time, and Worsening Health
For everyday patients, the stakes are deeply personal. In more than half of the 16 countries surveyed, people are waiting nearly two months—or even longer—for specialist appointments. In countries like Canada and Spain, waits stretch beyond four months. That kind of delay has real consequences.
According to Dr. Carla Goulart Peron, Chief Medical Officer at Philips, “The need to transform healthcare delivery has never been more urgent.” The FHI 2025 report found that:
- 33% of patients reported a decline in their health due to long wait times
- Over 25% were hospitalized while waiting to see a doctor
- 31% of cardiac patients ended up in the hospital before seeing a specialist
Without meaningful changes, healthcare systems could face a shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030, leaving countless patients at risk.
Burnout Behind the Scenes: A Crisis Among Clinicians
It’s not just patients who are feeling the squeeze. Healthcare professionals are facing their own form of crisis—burnout. More than 75% say they waste valuable clinical time hunting down or managing incomplete patient data. For many, this adds up to over 45 minutes lost per shift—equivalent to 23 full days a year.
“These inefficiencies amplify stress on already understaffed teams and contribute to burnout,” said Gretchen Brown, RN, VP and Chief Nursing Information Officer at Stanford Health Care. “Recognizing this, as clinicians, we see AI as a solution and understand that delayed adoption can also carry major risks.”
Clinicians worry that without AI, healthcare systems will see:
- Missed opportunities for early diagnosis (46%)
- Increased burnout from administrative overload (46%)
- A growing patient backlog (42%)
The Trust Gap: Why Patients Aren’t Convinced
Despite the enthusiasm among healthcare professionals, many patients remain unsure. The report reveals a significant trust gap: 34% more clinicians than patients see the value in AI. This skepticism is especially strong among patients over 45.
Even among clinicians, confidence isn’t universal. While 69% are involved in AI development, just 38% believe the tools meet real-world clinical needs. There’s also confusion over who’s accountable when AI makes a mistake—and concern about biases in AI that could widen existing healthcare disparities.
“To build trust with clinicians, we need education, transparency in decision-making, rigorous validation of models, and the involvement of healthcare professionals in every step of the process,” Brown emphasized.
Designing AI That Works for Everyone
As healthcare races toward digital transformation, the key to success lies in designing AI that’s human-centric. Patients want safer, more personalized, and error-free care. Clinicians are asking for ethical standards, legal clarity, and ongoing oversight.
“To realize the full potential of AI, regulatory frameworks must evolve to balance rapid innovation with robust safeguards to ensure patient safety and foster trust among clinicians,” said Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation Officer at Philips.
By 2030, AI could automate time-consuming administrative tasks, potentially doubling the number of patients healthcare professionals can care for. But to get there, the technology must be built with clinicians—not just for them.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the Future of Healthcare
The Future Health Index 2025 paints a clear picture: AI could be the key to a more responsive, efficient, and compassionate healthcare system. But trust must be built intentionally, with input from those on the frontlines and the patients they serve.
To learn more and download the full report, visit www.philips.com/futurehealthindex-2025.