Patients are ready for AI in healthcare — but are health systems?

There’s no doubt about it: patients are increasingly open to the idea of AI in healthcare. In fact, nearly three-quarters of patients in Europe are willing to share their health data if it means receiving more personalised care, according to recent research from Johnson & Johnson MedTech. 

But while patient attitudes are shifting, health systems are still catching up. 

Fragmented IT, inconsistent privacy policies, and underused data remain an issue. Hospitals generate around 50 petabytes of data every year, yet 97% of it goes unused.

Technologies like AI, robotics, and interoperable platforms could change that. By connecting every stage of the surgical journey, from pre-op planning to recovery, they offer personalised care. 

According to Dr Julia Fishman, paediatric surgeon and Head of Digital Solutions for EMEA at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, it all starts with “breaking down silos.” 

“Information often gets stuck — in paper records, disconnected systems, or locked formats. To unlock value, we need true interoperability: common standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR), secure infrastructure, and tools that turn raw data into insights,” said Dr. Fishman.

The foundation here is a strong infrastructure.

“Hospitals need robust data warehouses and Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) to bring together data from electronic health records, labs, and imaging systems. Just as critical is having clear data governance — well-defined rules around collection, sharing, privacy, and security. And collaboration with AI and analytics partners is essential to develop clinically relevant solutions,” as Dr. Fishman explained.

J&J MedTech is already applying AI in early diagnosis, surgical planning, robotic-assisted surgery, and postoperative monitoring. One example is the Carto system, used in cardiac procedures, including in children with congenital heart defects. It combines AI with real-time imaging to guide catheter placement more precisely and improve outcomes.

Another example is knee replacement surgery. 

“With the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, we’re helping hospitals personalise each procedure in real time — preserving soft tissue, improving joint stability, and aligning with the patient’s anatomy,” said Fishman.

The benefits are clear: faster recovery, less pain, and better function for patients. For providers, it means fewer complications, smoother workflows, and more predictable outcomes. 

According to Dr. Fishman, the next big shift is scale. 

“We’re moving from isolated pilots to integrated systems like Polyphonic, which connects devices, data, and workflows across the entire surgical pathway,” she said.

Polyphonic is already being used in some European hospitals and will soon be expanding. By linking clinical and operational data, AI is making it easier to schedule surgeries, offer real-time decision support, assist in surgical planning and even provide training insights, Dr. Fishman further explained. 

So where does the EU Data Act fit in?

The EU Data Act, which took effect on 11 January 2024 and will apply from 12 September 2025, sets rules for how data from connected devices and services can be shared and used. The goal is to ensure fair access to data, helping businesses innovate and develop new services.

“It’s a major opportunity,” said Dr. Fishman. 

“Alongside the European Health Data Space, it could enable trusted, cross-border data ecosystems — which are critical for AI to thrive.”

But challenges remain. 

“Regulatory fragmentation, data localisation, and inconsistent interpretations of consent and anonymisation still cause friction, especially for organisations operating across multiple markets.”

“To scale AI in healthcare, we need legal clarity, ethical frameworks, and, above all, patient trust. The EU Data Act is a step in the right direction, but it needs practical, system-level implementation to make a real impact.”

A growing opportunity for investors

Unsurprisingly, investors are paying close attention. 

“At J&J MedTech, we always start with the patient. The real value of AI lies not just in better tools, but in how well they’re integrated into care.”

Dr. Fishman pointed to a few fast-growing areas that investors should be keeping an eye on:

• Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are gaining momentum, helping clinicians personalise treatment, reduce errors, and make more confident decisions.
• AI in medical imaging is sharpening diagnostic accuracy and improving surgical planning, while the shift to outpatient care is driving demand for remote monitoring and wearable tech, vital for keeping patients safe at home.
• Robotic surgery also continues to grow — increasing precision, cutting recovery times, and improving outcomes.