Key 18 – Artificial Intelligence


The advent of AI he’s caused much concern in some quarters because of the fear they staff will be replaced. However AI should be seen as a means of improving, enhancing and expanding the abilities/ performance of a practice. It is only the most unscrupulous of employers who will use AI to reduce staff. Given how overstretched health care is any resources should be exhausted.

Level 1

At level 1 there is either resistance or ignorance of AI. There is little knowledge of possibilities that are on offer.

  • Introduce AI gently. Provide light training.
  • Encourage staff to use for simple tasks.

Level 2

At level 2 staff are starting to use AI for simple things. However lack of training limits how much and how effective it is used.

  • Provide medium level training for all staff.
  • Start reviewing processes where improvements can be found.
  • Impliment improvements where identified.
  • Add AI training to the mandatory training

Level 3

At level 3 some processes have been improved but many could be further enhanced.

  • Complete a review of all processes for improvement opportunities.
  • Place all protocols, SOPs in fact any written process into one document that staff can drop into an agent which creates an ai assistant that reduce questions to about process/ e.g how to complete a referral etc.
  • Add a public facing AI assistant that can reduce queries to reception.
  • Introduce checks on any agents for errors/ hallucinations.

Level 4

At level 4 all processes have been reviewed and improvements implemented. However regular review is required to ensure implemented changes have brought the promised improvements. A level 4 practice has a high level of AI utilisation.

  • SGAs include AI in their improvment ideas.
  • AI is used at every level of the practice.

Level 5

A level 5 practice uses AI in all areas with a continuous review for where it can further used. However at level 5, safeguards are in place for patient safety.