The Royal College of Surgeons has published a report providing guidance for the safe, ethical and effective integration of AI across surgical practice in Ireland.
The report, titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Digital Surgery’, was produced by the RCSI Working Group to demonstrate how AI will transform the future of surgical care, training and the overall patient experience.
RCSI says this highlights the potential of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy, improve surgical precision and enable personalized patient care. In addition to this, it also addresses challenges such as patient safety, governance, regulation, bias, and workforce readiness.
The report highlights the need for investments in clinical leadership, strong governance structures, and training to ensure physicians are prepared to work in a digitally enabled healthcare environment.
Professor Deborah McNamara, Chair of the RCSI, said: “Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are advancing at an unprecedented pace and are fundamentally reshaping the delivery of surgical care, workforce training and the patient experience. This report provides a clear and balanced roadmap that embraces innovation while ensuring patient safety, ethical practice and the continued central role of surgeons in clinical decision-making.”
This report uses a home-based medical style to highlight how AI can support surgeons through early diagnosis and post-operative monitoring.
However, the report also outlines that AI should be deployed as a support tool, rather than a replacement for expertise.
Professor Michael Ó Riordain, Chair of the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Surgery, said: “Artificial intelligence and digital technologies have the potential to significantly improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of surgical care. “They should be seen as tools that enable more streamlined treatment pathways and enhance the role of surgeons. However, their implementation must be carefully managed to ensure they are safe, reliable, transparent, and consistent with patient needs.” Patients. ”
