AI's Influence on EU Healthcare Policy and Safety

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to significantly influence healthcare policy within the EU over the next five years, although no specific AI-focused legislation is currently planned, according to EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. AI's potential in healthcare extends beyond policymaking, as it is poised to enhance clinical trial design and improve operational efficiencies in the healthcare insurance sector, such as claims processing and fraud detection. However, the rapid adoption of AI raises concerns over governance, patient safety, and ethical use, emphasizing the need for effective governance models to mitigate risks like algorithmic bias. AI-powered assistants are also being explored to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs, despite challenges like technology integration and data security. These developments indicate a transformative impact of AI on healthcare data integration and process automation.