Proceeding report from Madrid conference on the responsible scale of AI in healthcare

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare, by helping clinicians reduce administrative burden, improving diagnostic safety, and supporting population health. Yet despite growing investment and enthusiasm, most health systems are still struggling to translate AI’s promise into measurable improvements. Bringing together 142 experts from 34 countries and 35 partner organisations, the Spanish Ministry of Health and OECD co-hosted a conference on the responsible scale of AI in healthcare. The conference sought to move the conversation beyond whether AI should be adopted and focus instead on how it can be scaled safely and effectively. The central message was clear: successful AI adoption relies on facilitating trust, strengthening foundations, and developing sustainable economic models for the digital age. This proceedings report summarises the outcomes from the conference. At its heart is the Expert-Led Madrid Action Plan (EL-MAP), a practical framework comprising ten priority actions to guide governments, industry, healthcare leaders, and civil society in accelerating the effective scale of AI in health. For policymakers, innovators, health leaders, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare, this report offers an important and timely vision for how international collaboration can ensure AI delivers better health, better care, and better value for all.