Intelligent healthcare

Ireland’s health service stands at a pivotal moment. With the digital transformation agenda advancing through Electronic Health Record (EHR) and patient care initiatives coupled with Sláintecare reforms and investments in integrated care, AI will emerge as a powerful enabler of the next phase of patient safety, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

This global report from KPMG, Intelligent Healthcare, explores the transformative impact of AI across clinical care, population health, operations, and research. In an Irish context, these insights are timely. We’re already seeing early applications of AI in diagnostics, patient triage, imaging, and demand forecasting, but we have only scratched the surface.

With the EU AI Act coming into force, and heightened scrutiny around data ethics, transparency, and risk, Ireland’s healthcare leaders will need to ensure AI systems are both innovative and compliant from the start.

Intelligent healthcare

A blueprint for creating value through AI-driven transformation

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Rory Timlin

Partner, Technology Consulting

KPMG in Ireland

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Key report insights for Irish healthcare

AI is reshaping care delivery

From triage to diagnostics, remote monitoring to administrative support - AI is streamlining care, enabling earlier intervention, and reducing clinician burden.
Hospital avoidance and community care are key use cases

AI supports Ireland’s shift toward integrated and community-based care (aligned with Sláintecare objectives), helping predict deterioration, flag readmission risk, and optimise resources.
Data maturity and EHR integration are critical

The value of AI depends on strong data foundations. In Ireland, the success of EHR and key digital solutions will be influenced by how AI-ready these systems are.
Ethical and regulatory readiness is now a must

The EU AI Act introduces new requirements for transparency, risk classification, and clinical validation - especially for diagnostic or decision-support tools used in healthcare settings.
Population health and public health can benefit

AI can help manage chronic disease, stratify population risk, and target early interventions - vital in addressing Ireland’s rising demand and ageing population.
Workforce pressure needs AI as an ally, not a threat

AI should augment - not replace - clinicians. Automating repetitive tasks frees up time for patient care and reduces burnout, a major concern across the Irish system.

AI usage is well established in healthcare

AI have systematically incorporated AI into product and service development is having the biggest impact in IT (68%), customer service (66%) and R&D (65%)

59% have systematically incorporated AI into product and service development

Benefits are already apparent

72% achieved efficiency improvements and

39% achieved improvement in their financials

The sector is focused on the future

86% believe that organisations that embrace AI will develop a competitive edge over those that do not

85% are investing in exploratory projects that do not have an immediate ROI

Intelligent healthcare - key highlights

Get the key highlights from our Global May 2025 report (PDF, 1.7MB)

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How KPMG professionals can help

At KPMG Ireland, in conjunction with our global network, we have developed the necessary tools and expertise to support organisations to navigate this evolving AI landscape - connecting strategy, regulation, and implementation.

From evaluating the readiness of EHR systems for AI integration through to ensuring digital health tools meet the EU AI Act obligations, our local expertise is underpinned by global insight and experience.

Contact our team below for more on how you can embed AI in your healthcare organisation.