News
Making AI in Healthcare Work for Women: New Reports
19 February 2025
Healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) systems are consistently failing women, especially women from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to new research released today by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).
The research, published as two comprehensive reports, reveals that while AI has the potential to revolutionise health care, current technologies may be worsening rather than solving existing health inequalities for women.
“AI has extraordinary potential to transform healthcare and improve outcomes for everyone,” says Dr MaryAnn Ferreux, Chief Medical Officer at Health Innovation KSS. “But to realise this promise, we must ensure these technologies are developed with gender and diversity at their core. These reports provide a crucial roadmap for making that happen.”
The first report, led by Sylvia Stevenson at Absolute Diversity, uncovers widespread gender and racial bias in healthcare AI systems. A new survey of women mainly from ethnic minority backgrounds found that 74% of respondents believe AI systems are reinforcing stereotypes and limiting women’s career progression in STEM fields. The same percentage reported that women from ethnic minority backgrounds are significantly underrepresented in AI design and development.
“Our focus group discussions revealed a critical lack of awareness about AI systems among diverse communities, coupled with concerning experiences in accessing health services,” explains Sylvia Stevenson. She adds “When AI systems are developed without diverse representation, they risk deepening existing health inequalities. Our research shows this isn’t just about technology – it’s about ensuring healthcare AI works for everyone.”
The second report, authored by Professor Dr Durka Dougall, CEO at the Centre for Population Health, examines the barriers facing women in AI leadership positions. The findings are stark: women make up only 25% of the AI workforce, and less than 30% of Medical Director roles are held by women. The situation is even more concerning for ethnic minority representation, which remains at just 11% at executive board level.
“This is not just a problem for women, or ethnic minority colleagues,” Prof. Durka Dougall emphasised, “It has very real impacts on patient care and implications for us all.” She added: “We are delighted to be publishing this report which contains a comprehensive framework, practical recommendations for action, and essential insights about women’s experiences that anyone working in the NHS seeking to deliver quality care should seek to understand.”
Women in AI leadership roles reported facing multiple barriers, including: professional isolation, inadequate support during key life stages, bias in hiring processes and decisions and a lack of robust data tracking their representation and progress.
To address these challenges, Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex has outlined a comprehensive framework for change across four key areas:
- Enhancing understanding and awareness of gender bias in AI
- Increasing women’s representation in AI leadership
- Supporting standardised commissioning and procurement frameworks for AI solutions
- Removing bias and inequity from future policy agendas
Melissa Ream, Specialist Commercial Advisor at Health Innovation KSS said: “The future of women’s health depends on our commitment to harnessing AI for equity, breaking biases, and empowering female leadership. It’s time for action – let’s create a healthcare system where innovation and gender equity go hand in hand.”
The findings demonstrate that without immediate action, AI systems risk perpetuating and deepening existing healthcare inequalities. Detailed recommendations for healthcare providers, AI developers, policymakers, and industry leaders are available in the full reports.