86 percent of the Spanish population is willing to have artificial intelligence (AI) play a role in their healthcare, while 59 percent actively uses these solutions for health-related issues, according to the "STADA Health Report 2026".
This report was compiled from an online questionnaire of 20,000 participants from 20 European countries, allowing for a comparison of citizens' views in Spain with those across Europe regarding the functioning of healthcare systems, their main challenges, and the incorporation of technological advances such as AI.
The willingness to use AI in healthcare is high both in Spain and across the continent: on average, 55 percent of Europeans already use it for well-being-related matters, and 82 percent are open to it playing a role in their healthcare.
Among the most significant findings, the report indicates that 43 percent of Europeans would allow these tools to access their entire medical history to optimize diagnosis, prevention, or treatments, and that 49 percent already trust, or would be willing to trust, a diagnosis issued by AI.
In Spain, although the perception of AI is even slightly more positive, trust remains linked to human support: almost half of those surveyed (47%) prefer that any recommendation generated by these technologies be reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted by a medical professional.
Relevant role of professionals
The advancement of AI does not diminish the importance of healthcare professionals. The study shows that 77 percent of Europeans and 90 percent of Spaniards continue to consider their Primary Care (PC) doctor as the reference figure when making health decisions. In the case of pharmacists, this opinion is shared by 57 percent of Europeans and 68 percent of Spaniards.
According to the report, both in Europe and Spain, professionals are expected to take on an even more relevant role in the digital environment. In Spain, 51 percent of respondents believe that digital and remote consultations should be expanded, while only 17 percent believe that AI will make the work of healthcare professionals less important.
In the European context, 41 percent believe that professionals should offer more virtual or remote consultations; 30 percent foresee that their role as trusted referents and human contact will be even more crucial; and 26 percent expect them to act as advisors and interpreters, helping patients navigate an environment with a growing volume of health information. Only 20 percent think that the importance of healthcare professionals will decrease due to AI.
In this scenario, study participants identify AI as a useful support in administrative and follow-up tasks: 50 percent of Europeans view its use favorably for managing appointments and check-ups, and 36 percent accept it for taking notes during consultations or monitoring chronic diseases.
However, concerns persist: 38 percent show apprehension about a possible reduction in human contact in a healthcare system increasingly supported by AI, and 35 percent fear a worsening in the quality of communication with professionals.
Satisfaction with the healthcare system
The document also analyzes the degree of satisfaction with health systems. In Spain, 62 percent of citizens declare themselves satisfied with public healthcare, six points above the European average (56%), which has fallen two points compared to the previous year and shows a certain stabilization after the decline recorded after the pandemic.
The study highlights that Europeans with mental health problems and economic difficulties feel notably less satisfied with healthcare. Only 40 percent of those with poor mental health rate the system positively, compared to 61 percent of those who report good mental health. The difference is also marked between those who enjoy economic stability (61%) and those who do not (46%).
In the ranking by countries, Spain is behind Belgium, where satisfaction reaches 86 percent, Uzbekistan (82%), Switzerland (77%), or Germany (63%). Even so, eight out of ten people consider the Spanish healthcare system to be above the European average.
Regarding the main challenges, 67 percent of Europeans and 78 percent of Spaniards mention the lack of professionals and the associated long waiting lists. In parallel, 43 percent of Europeans are concerned about access to affordable healthcare.
Other challenges noted are the aging population and the increase in chronic diseases (56 percent), as well as the increase in people with mental health problems (53 percent).
If they could decide as Ministers of Health, 58 percent of Europeans and 67 percent of Spaniards would prioritize reducing waiting times by hiring more professionals, while 49 percent would opt to strengthen access to Primary Care.
Active role in self-care
In parallel, the report reflects that citizens are taking on a more active role in caring for their well-being. 78 percent believe they have the necessary knowledge and resources to manage their own health, and 94 percent resort to self-medication to address at least some minor problems.
In addition, 85 percent use one or more technological solutions, from activity trackers to home measurement devices, to monitor different aspects of their physical condition. In Spain, this involvement translates into 75 percent of citizens feeling they have control over their health, and 34 percent would allocate any additional investment in this area to medical check-ups and preventive programs.
"The debate about increasingly empowered patients capable of making decisions about their own health is gaining momentum, and AI is accelerating this transformation at an unprecedented pace," highlighted STADA CEO Peter Goldschmidt, who asserted that the healthcare sector "will have to adapt" to a population that increasingly acts as an active participant in managing their health.