Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) in clinical decision making

The Medical Council has published a helpful position statement on the use of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) in clinical decision making. The statement acknowledges the opportunities that AI brings to the medical field but outlines that integration must be supported by the following:

• Commitment to patient safety
• Professional integrity
• Maintaining public trust

The Medical Council has set out core considerations that doctors must take into account for the responsible use of AI in clinical settings including:

• That the use of AI should augment rather than replace clinical decision-making;
• Patients should be informed when AI tools are being used in the diagnosis, treatment and delivery of care or the recording of clinical notes;
• Doctors must advocate for the development and implementation of AI tools that are inclusive, avoiding hidden bias in AI algorithms;
• Ensuring that AI use complies with data protection legislation; and
• Ensuring that they have adequate training in relation to any AI tools they use.

In summary, the Medical Council sets out that AI can be a valuable tool for assisting clinical decision-making and providing administrative support, which should complement rather than replace human medical knowledge.

The position statement must be read in conjunction with the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (9th Edition, 2024). The position statement can be accessed here Medical Council - Medical Council Position Statement on Artificial Intelligence

If you would like any further information or advice on the information mentioned within this article, please contact Ciara Cornyn from our Healthcare team.

*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.