Thursday, July 9, 2026

STADA Health Report: Most Europeans are open to AI in healthcare

The STADA Health Report 2026 points to a European healthcare environment in which digital tools and Artificial Intelligence are no longer viewed only as future options. According to the representative online survey conducted by Human8 on behalf of STADA across 20 European countries, 82 percent of respondents are open to AI playing a role in their care.

The report, published on 6 July 2026, also indicates that openness to AI does not mean Europeans want healthcare professionals to become less relevant. General practitioners, other healthcare professionals and pharmacists remain central sources of trust for health-related decisions.

AI has entered personal healthcare

STADA reports that 55 percent of Europeans already use AI in relation to health. 43 percent would be willing to make their full health records accessible to AI if this could improve diagnosis, prevention or treatment. 49 percent either already trust an AI diagnosis or would be willing to do so.

Acceptance is highest for supportive functions. 50 percent of respondents are open to AI arranging appointments and follow-up care. 36 percent cite uses such as note-taking during medical consultations or monitoring chronic conditions. The findings suggest that AI is mainly welcomed as an assistant, while core decisions are still expected to involve healthcare professionals.

Human trust remains decisive

Despite the broader use of digital tools, 77 percent of respondents rely on their GP or other healthcare professionals for health decisions. Pharmacists are cited by 57 percent as an important influence. Around eight in ten respondents still prefer to see their healthcare practitioner in person.

The report also identifies concerns about more automated care. 38 percent are worried about reduced human interaction, while 35 percent fear that communication with healthcare professionals could deteriorate.

Healthcare systems remain under strain

Overall satisfaction with healthcare systems stands at 56 percent, almost unchanged from 58 percent in 2025. The shortage of healthcare professionals and related waiting times are named as the largest challenge by 67 percent of respondents. 43 percent point to access to affordable care as a key concern. Ageing populations and chronic health issues are mentioned by 56 percent, while 53 percent cite mental health problems.

If respondents were health ministers, 58 percent would first focus on cutting waiting times by increasing the availability of healthcare professionals. 49 percent would improve access to primary care.

Patients take a more active role

The report also highlights a stronger role for self-management. 78 percent of Europeans feel well equipped to look after their own health. 94 percent self-medicate for at least some health issues. 85 percent use one or more tools to monitor health, including fitness trackers and home measurement devices.

STADA CEO Peter Goldschmidt frames the findings as evidence of a shift in which patients combine personal action, digital tools and professional advice more actively. For healthcare companies, practices and pharmacies, this points to a need to adapt services to changing expectations around access, guidance and digital support.

The STADA Health Report 2026 is based on anonymous online research conducted in February and March 2026. The sample included between 500 and 2,000 respondents each from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.