Building Trust in AI: Key to Faster Specialist Access and Better Patient Outcomes in APAC Healthcare

66% of APAC Patients Face Long Waits for Specialist Care; AI Seen as Key to Earlier Intervention

A recent survey across 16 Asia Pacific (APAC) countries reveals that 66% of patients experience delays when trying to see a specialist doctor, with an average waiting period of 47 days. This delay is impacting patient health, with one-third reporting deterioration and 25% requiring hospital admission due to the wait.

Healthcare professionals recognize the pressure on healthcare systems and see artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics as vital tools. According to the survey, 89% of healthcare workers believe AI can save lives by enabling earlier interventions.

Patient Outcomes Suffer Due to Care Delays

Waiting nearly one and a half months to consult specialists highlights a critical bottleneck in APAC healthcare. Delays are leading to worsening patient conditions and increased hospitalizations. AI holds promise to change this by streamlining care delivery and improving outcomes.

Most healthcare professionals (81%) expect digital health technologies like AI to reduce hospital admissions, and 86% anticipate fewer emergency interventions thanks to these tools.

Clinical Workforce Under Strain from Data Challenges

Three out of four healthcare professionals report losing clinical time due to incomplete or inaccessible patient data. Nearly a third lose over 45 minutes per shift, amounting to about 23 full working days per year. At the same time, 39% of clinicians spend more time on administrative tasks than they did five years ago, reducing direct patient care.

This administrative burden exacerbates the workforce shortage in APAC, where Southeast Asia alone faces a projected deficit of 6.9 million health workers by 2030.

• 45% of healthcare professionals worry about growing patient backlogs if AI is not implemented.
• 42% are concerned about rising burnout from administrative duties.
• 40% fear being unable to provide advanced care without AI support.

Building Trust Is Essential for AI Adoption

While 81% of healthcare professionals are involved in developing new healthcare technologies, 39% feel these solutions don’t fully meet their needs. Concerns about legal liability (71%) and potential data bias (66%) remain significant barriers.

Patients show cautious optimism: 75% welcome more technology if it improves access and care quality, but about half worry that technology might reduce face-to-face time with doctors and compromise data security.

Healthcare Professionals as Trust Builders

Trust is critical for AI integration in healthcare. Most professionals (84%) believe that clear guidelines and liability support are needed. They call for transparent, evidence-based AI solutions and clarity on data security.

Patients largely trust their healthcare providers on AI matters, with 86% stating they would feel more comfortable with AI if their doctors explained its use.

Conclusion

The survey highlights a pressing need to address delays in specialist care and the administrative burdens faced by healthcare professionals in APAC. AI and predictive analytics offer clear benefits, but adoption depends on building trust through transparency, accountability, and addressing data concerns.

Healthcare professionals are pivotal in bridging the gap between AI technology and patient acceptance, making their involvement and confidence in AI essential for its success.

About the Future Health Index 2025

The Future Health Index, conducted annually by Royal Philips, is the largest global survey capturing healthcare professionals’ and patients’ views on healthcare priorities and innovation. The 2025 report focuses on how AI can empower better care delivery across multiple countries.

For full details, visit the Future Health Index 2025 report.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips is a global health technology leader dedicated to improving health and well-being through innovation. With expertise in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring, and informatics, Philips serves healthcare providers worldwide.

Learn more about Philips at Philips News Center.