Physicians, researchers and experts from high-tech companies are working together to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the NHS while keeping patients safe, authorities have announced.
The new National Commission advises the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on new guidelines to speed up access to the latest innovations.
Recommendations from this group support digital conversion of health services, and MHRA emphasizes that “It is important that AI regulations maintain patient safety and public trust.”
The minister said the work would also ensure that the UK will “lead the way” to enable patients to use “game-changing techniques.”
AI is already used in the NHS to analyze brain scans from stroke patients, but about half of the trust use this technique to diagnose things like lung cancer.
The committee, established by the MHRA, brings together experts from companies such as Google and Microsoft, as well as clinicians, researchers and patient safety advocates to review current regulations on healthcare AI and advises on new rulebooks expected to be released next year.
This work is expected to provide UK patients with faster access to new technologies and attract more tech companies to develop and use the latest products in the UK.
The committee also provides regulatory clarity on AI tools in radiology and pathology, as well as technologies that help Medics provide virtual care to patients in their homes.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to our customers,” said Lawrence Talon, CEO of MHRA.
“AI has great potential to transform patient outcomes and improve quality, access and care equity.
“It is important that AI regulations maintain patient safety and public trust.
“By bringing together key voices in healthcare, technology and patient safety, this committee will help establish the UK as a global leader in responsible AI healthcare regulations.
“MHRA will act on the committee's recommendations to support the NHS' digital transformation and promote the UK's ambition to become a global hub for health technology investment.”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:
“But there needs to be a gathering of experts so that patients can benefit quickly and safely from these opportunities.
“This committee will ensure that the UK is able to use these game-changing technologies as safely as possible, helping more us live healthier, longer lives and support the NHS.”
The committee will also focus on accelerating the use of technologies that are suppressed by regulatory uncertainty, such as AI programs that assist physicians by automatically taking notes.
This is a trial involving interactions of approximately 17,000 patients, and one tool known as Tors helped increase the direct interaction between patients and clinicians by 23.5% during appointments.
Economic modeling carried out by the York Health Economics Consortium as part of the study suggests that if Tortoise uses it nationwide, it could lead to an additional 9,259 A&E consultations daily.
The committee will be chaired by Alastair Denniston, professor of regulatory science and innovation at the University of Birmingham, honorary consultant ophthalmologist at the University of Birmingham, honorary consultant ophthalmologist at the Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and executive director of the UK's Excellence Science Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation in AI and Digital Health Technology.
He states: “This committee marks key steps to help the UK lead the way in responsible innovation and promote the availability of AI technologies that can support better health for everyone.
“By bringing together a diverse range of expertise, we can build a regulatory framework for AI that is trusted by the public and health professionals and that offers a real benefit to our patients.”
In January, Prime Minister Kiel vowed that AI will “promote incredible change in our country.”
In July, the government also announced plans to revamp the NHS app. This involves providing immediate advice to patients who need non-urgent care using AI.
“The committee's vice-chairman Henrietta Hughes said:
“When developing AI use in healthcare, we need to listen to the patient's views and make sure its use is safe and fair.”
“We're a part of the committee's research partner,” said Dame Jennifer Dixon, CEO of the Health Foundation.
“The NHS 10-Year Plan sets a bold vision for AI, but regulations need to respond to innovation and promote effective use and spread.
“A robust and ethical framework is essential to maintain momentum, build trust in technology between staff and patients, and ensure that the UK remains a responsible AI leader in healthcare.”
