Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to change how healthcare is delivered, with the potential to support earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatment and new approaches to managing complex conditions. 

But as AI moves closer to clinical practice, an important question remains: how do patients and families feel about these technologies becoming part of their care and clinical decision-making? 

This question is particularly relevant in neurological healthcare, where many conditions are complex; symptoms often overlap, and diagnosis can sometimes take years. While AI is already being explored in areas such as cancer and cardiovascular medicine, its role in neurological healthcare is still emerging. 

Putting patients at the centre of the conversation 

New research from FutureNeuro, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), explores patient and public perceptions of how AI could be applied clinical decision-making in neurological healthcare in Ireland. 

The publication, led by Dr Tina Bedenik and FutureNeuro Principal Investigator Prof Kathleen Bennett, in collaboration with Dr Orna Fennelly of Children’s Health Ireland, reported on the views of 15 patients and family members involved in two online focus groups. Participants included people living with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, alongside family members supporting someone with a neurological condition, often a child. 

Researchers explored participants’ views on the use of AI in diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. Their findings revealed broad support for AI’s potential role in healthcare, but with a clear expectation that these technologies should be introduced with strong regulation, transparency, and human oversight. 

The promise and the challenges 

Participants identified a range of potential benefits. Many believed that AI could help clinicians analyse scans more quickly, identify patterns across complex conditions, and support more personalised treatment decisions. Participants also thought that AI-powered systems could help collate health information, support clinical decision-making, and assist with simple, repetitive tasks, improving efficiency within healthcare services. 

For people who had experienced lengthy journeys to diagnosis, the possibility of helping future patients get answers sooner was particularly significant. Participants also highlighted the potential for AI to increase patient involvement in their own care, helping people better understand their conditions, and take a more active role in healthcare decisions. 

However, their support for AI application was conditional. Participants raised concerns about data quality, privacy, and whether Ireland’s health data ecosystem is prepared to support AI safely and effectively. They also highlighted risks associated with poorly designed systems, potential harm from inappropriate AI applications, and the possibility that overreliance on AI could lead to reduced clinical expertise and deskilling among healthcare professionals. 

The findings underline the importance of involving patients, families, and the public in conversations about emerging healthcare technologies. They also highlight the need to support clinicians, patients and communities as AI systems become more widely introduced, ensuring these technologies are implemented safely, transparently and in ways that patients can trust. 

For FutureNeuro, the study reinforces a wider commitment to ensuring advances in brain science and digital health are translated into solutions that are not only innovative but also shaped by the people they are intended to help.