Public Support for AI in Health Care Drops to 42%, Ohio State Survey Shows
Support for artificial intelligence in health care fell sharply over two years, with only 42% of Americans now open to AI in their care compared to 52% in 2024, according to a new survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
The national poll of 1,007 adults, conducted in January 2026, also found fewer people believe AI can improve health processes. That figure dropped from 64% to 55% over the same period.
The decline mirrors typical technology adoption patterns, according to Ravi Tripathi, MD, chief health informatics officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. "When we first see something new and shiny, we think it's going to fix the world," Tripathi said. "People are learning that there are pros and cons."
Half of AI Users Make Health Decisions Without Doctors
A more pressing finding: 51% of adults surveyed used AI to make important health decisions without consulting a medical professional.
Tripathi cautioned against this approach. AI systems are inaccurate roughly 2% of the time and can produce false information. "The artificial intelligence doesn't understand your story," he said.
Tripathi recommends using AI as a tool alongside medical guidance, not as a replacement. "There's a strong value for using artificial intelligence as augmented intelligence," he said. "Patients should have oversight of what the technology is doing but consult with their health care team for the final plan."
Where Patients Actually Use AI
Adults surveyed reported using AI for specific health tasks:
- 62% use it to understand symptoms before deciding whether to seek care
- 44% use it to explain test results or diagnoses
- 25% use it to compare treatment options
- 20% use it to prepare for medical appointments
These uses align with how doctors say AI should function in health care-as a way to organize information and prepare patients for conversations with providers.
What Comes Next
Tripathi expects public confidence in AI to recover within the next 2 to 5 years as people develop a clearer understanding of where the technology actually helps. "As it becomes just common day to all of health care technology," he said, "we'll definitely start to see that increase again."
For healthcare professionals, the survey suggests a need to educate patients on AI's proper role. Learn more about AI for Healthcare and how to integrate it into patient care.
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