Ireland’s first national strategy dedicated to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and social care has been launched.
‘AI for Care’ sets out how AI will improve care across four areas: Clinical care, operations, research and innovation, and public health.
These include faster diagnosis with certified AI solutions that will enable radiologists to read images (X-rays, CT scans and MRIs) faster and detect strokes, cancers and fractures earlier.
The new strategy also noted that AI‑supported discharge planning for patients will help reduce delays and AI will lead to less paperwork for clinicians.
Welcoming the strategy, Mr Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, said Ireland is facing ever increasing demands for healthcare as our population continues to grow. “Our use of AI will be pivotal in fostering further innovation and addressing the challenges facing the system.”
Prof Richard Greene, HSE Chief Clinical Information Officer, said that potential use cases for AI are being identified, “and we have several projects already underway in some parts of the health service”.
He added that the strategy sets out the path forward to build on “this positive work and harness the power of AI to support more areas of the health service in a safe and responsible way”.
The HSE said it will soon publish an ‘AI Implementation Framework’ to complement ‘AI for Care’ and ensure consistent rollout of AI across all health regions.
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