BMA report

Principles for artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in healthcare

The potential benefits and drawbacks of current and emerging AI technologies in healthcare and BMA principles for AI policy and implementation.

Location: UK
Audience: All doctors
Updated: Tuesday 1 October 2024
Topics: NHS delivery and workforce
NHS Structure Article Illustration

There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the current and future use of Artificial Intelligence programmes in the delivery and monitoring of health care.

This report sets out how AI is being used in healthcare currently, how it could be used in the near future, and examines both the potential benefits and drawbacks with respect to patients, clinicians, and the efficiency of the overall healthcare system.

AI is only a tool – if implemented appropriately and effectively, it can improve outcomes; if not, it can worsen them.

 

What you will get from this report

  • An understanding of AI usage in UK health services.
  • An analysis of the benefits and risks of current and future AI implementation within healthcare.
  • A set of principles that the BMA supports for the safe, effective, ethical, and equitable adoption of AI in healthcare. 
Topics
  • AI usage in UK health services
  • Defining artificial intelligence
  • Examples of the application of AI to healthcare
  • Impact of IA on healthcare - benefits and risks
  • How does AI have the potential to improve healthcare?
  • AI brings both benefits and risks
  • Health outcomes and patient experience
  • Clinicians' experience of work and system efficiency
  • The benefits and risks of AI are interrelated
  • The key issue is how AI is implemented
  • BMA principles for AI policy and implementation