RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Artificial intelligence and the NHS: a qualitative exploration of the factors influencing adoption JF Future Healthcare Journal JO Future Healthc J FD Royal College of Physicians SP fhj.2020-0258 DO 10.7861/fhj.2020-0258 A1 Kirsty Morrison YR 2021 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/early/2021/09/02/fhj.2020-0258.abstract AB Background AI has the potential to improve healthcare. However, there is limited research investigating the factors which influence the adoption of AI within a healthcare system.Research aims I aimed to use innovation theory to understand the barriers and facilitators that influence AI adoption in the NHS; and to explore solutions to overcome these barriers, and examine these factors, particularly within radiology, pathology and general practice.Methodology Twelve semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with key informants. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings A range of barriers and facilitators to the adoption of AI within the NHS were identified, including IT infrastructure and language clarity. Several solutions to overcome the barriers were proposed by participants, including education strategies and innovation champions.Conclusion Future research should explore the importance of IT infrastructure in supporting AI adoption, examine the terminology around AI and explore specialty-specific barriers to AI adoption in greater depth.