Governance identified as ‘challenge’ in HSE AI strategy

Addressing governance will be a “key challenge” in implementing the HSE’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, a recent meeting of the Executive’s strategy and reform committee heard.

Mr Tom Laffan, HSE Chief Data and Analytics Officer, briefed the June meeting of the committee on the Executive’s AI strategy plans. 

According to minutes, Mr Laffan said the draft document identifies governance and management as among the most significant issues to be resolved.

A HSE spokesperson confirmed that AI for Care – The Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Healthcare in Ireland and its accompanying implementation framework, jointly commissioned by the Department of Health and the HSE, are being finalised and will be published shortly.

“A robust governance structure will be established in the AI implementation framework,” the spokesperson told the Medical Independent.

This would “ensure the safe, ethical, and effective deployment of AI technologies, as well as regulatory compliance”.

The specific membership and structure of this governance system “will be confirmed following publication of the strategy”.

In July, this newspaper reported that the HSE’s Artificial Intelligence and Automation Centre of Excellence (CoE) will have expanded roles and responsibilities introduced later this year.

Established in 2024, the CoE is central to the Executive’s efforts to integrate AI across the health service.

HIQA is currently developing guidelines for the use of AI in health and social care, while the Department and the HSE are jointly working on the national AI strategy.

The HSE has previously stated that the CoE is exploring ways to enhance clinical care, particularly in radiology, as well as administrative processes, such as human resources and financial workflows.