‘AI must be implemented within a safe, transparent and trusted framework’ – SAM president-elect (09 June)

Dr Ragit Varia, president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine, commented in The Guardian on the Medical Protection Society’s (MPS) call for the Government to address the “widening gulf” between the law and the rapidly evolving use of AI in healthcare.

He said: “Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to support clinicians, improve patient flow and enhance decision-making across acute and emergency care. 

“However, AI must be implemented within a framework that is safe, transparent and trusted by both patients and healthcare professionals. We must avoid creating an accountability vacuum where responsibility for harm is unclear. 

“Clinicians should not find themselves holding a liability hot potato when decisions have been influenced by AI systems developed, supplied and implemented by others without the appropriate structure. 

“Legal and regulatory frameworks must evolve alongside technological advances to ensure responsibility is distributed fairly. The NHS must not become the insurer of last resort for defective AI. 

“If we want healthcare professionals to embrace these technologies with confidence, there must be clear and equitable arrangements for accountability when things go wrong. Getting this balance right will be essential if we are to realise the benefits of AI while maintaining patient safety and public trust.

“Innovation and patient safety should move forward together. If AI is advancing at Formula One speed, then legislation, regulation and governance cannot be left sitting in the pit lane.”