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.

The HSE Health App has been downloaded over 145,000 times since its launch in February, according to statistics from the HSE.

From today, more than 900,000 patients across 31 hospitals will be able to see their appointments in the app. The QUIT stop smoking service will also be available in the app. People can sign up in the app for a free, personalised Quit plan to help them stop smoking and get one-to-one support from a trained advisor.

‘“I am delighted that so many more patients can now view their appointments in the HSE Health App from today,” said Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

“This will make it easier for them to keep track of their appointments when they download and log in to the app, and I would encourage everyone to do so.”

The Minister added that work is underway to add more appointments over time.

“This phased introduction of appointment notifications is the first step to enabling patients to book, reschedule or cancel certain appointments in the app. It enables us to ensure that more patients are provided with easily accessible health information that is accurate and trustworthy.’’

The Executive added that future app features will be guided by ongoing research and engagement with patients, staff, advocacy organisations, and the public. 

Mr Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, said that the additions to the app “represents significant progress” in the HSE’s journey to a more digital and user-friendly health service. “We will continue to build on this success and will work with our voluntary hospitals, to ensure our patients, wherever they are receiving care, will have all their appointments in one app.”