- April 2025
The Digital Revolution has significantly shaped our lives, including the way in which we communicate, consume information, the way in which we conduct business, and the way we deliver care in the NHS. Whilst some digital trends (e.g. blockchain, virtual reality) come and go, there is one development that we believe will have a transformative impact, and that is AI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out due to its proven ability to revolutionise healthcare delivery. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to streamlining administrative processes, AI is reshaping the way healthcare is delivered. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyse medical images with remarkable precision, often surpassing human capabilities. This not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also reduces the likelihood of errors. Additionally, AI-driven predictive analytics can help healthcare providers delay the onset of chronic conditions and thus benefit patients and reduce the impact on the already overburdened NHS. Failing to deploy AI represents a missed opportunity to help your patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
BearingPoint has conducted an extensive review of over 30 case studies on the application of AI in healthcare. Our analysis reveals that the strategic implementation of AI, based on proven solutions, can effectively address many of the pressing issues faced by the NHS, such as the backlog of patients seeking treatment, insufficient funding, evolving healthcare needs, and the challenges posed by an aging population. By leveraging AI, healthcare organisations can enhance operational efficiencies, improve patient outcomes, and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
To support this transformation, we have identified five key success factors that healthcare organisations must implement to exploit AI for patients and clincians alike...
1 - Develop a compelling vision for AI transformation
Develop a clear vision and roadmap for your future organisation where AI assistants support and accelerate clinical decisions, continuously monitor patient data, and undertake many administrative tasks helping professionals to focus on patient care. This vision will orchestrate an AI culture and level of understanding of its transformative potential across your organisation.
2 - Empower leadership for AI development
The leadership team needs to empower clinicians, administrators, and data and digital specialists to work together to exploit AI to transform patient care. Effective leadership will enable business-wide participation in AI development, its use, and continuous improvement, fostering a collaborative environment where AI can thrive.
3 - Engage in smart collaborative development
Employ available AI tools for rapid experimentation. Succeed fast and avoid pitfalls by collaborating with other NHS organisations, universities, and specialist vendors. Reuse existing solutions and jointly develop new ones to speed up AI adoption. This smart collaborative development approach ensures that AI solutions are both innovative and practical.
4 - Identify high-impact use cases
Identify high-impact use cases that transform patient throughput and care through efficiency and automation. Use BearingPoint’s case study library alongside local issues to determine how known and proven applications of AI can improve patient care and delivery. These use cases will demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI, fostering buy-in from stakeholders.
5 - Leverage your data
Get to know your data assets. Identify which data and knowledge sets are high quality and well-managed and could drive AI solutions, and where more work is needed to enable further AI opportunities. Improving and managing data security is crucial to delivering more of your AI Roadmap. Leveraging your data effectively will unlock the full potential of AI in your organisation.
Our approach to AI for the NHS
As Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has indicated, "If we can start to think about that sort of health MOT approach, but combining it with things like genomics and AI machine learning, so people aren't just getting a general MOT, but a personal one, and... not only diagnose earlier and treat faster, but predict and prevent illness, that is a game-changer"1.
The adoption of AI in the NHS is no longer optional; it is a critical tool to help the NHS tackle the myriad challenges it faces. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has also emphasised this point, stating that "The NHS must make greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) to meet the ever-increasing demand and waiting times"2. The good news is that AI tools and solutions are maturing rapidly, and the current challenge lies in their adoption and exploitation at pace.
By embracing the five key success factors outlined above, healthcare organisations can truly be the boss of AI in healthcare. This approach will not only lead the way in transforming patient care but also enhance operational efficiency, ensuring that the healthcare sector is well-equipped to meet the demands of the future.
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Dan RoulstoneDirectorUnited Kingdom
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Dan RoulstoneContact meDirectorUnited Kingdom
