No strategy for AI being adopted in the NHS, says Health Foundation

The Health Foundation has raised concerns about the lack of a concrete strategy for adopting AI within the NHS, according to a recent report analyzing political party manifestos. The report, titled ‘Priorities for an AI in health care strategy’, calls for the development of a dedicated strategy for AI in healthcare by government and NHS leaders. Highlighting the current lack of coordination and overarching strategy, the report emphasizes the need for ethics frameworks and guidance to ensure AI benefits the greater social good. To address key challenges, the Health Foundation outlines six priorities for policymakers and healthcare leaders to consider in an AI strategy. Despite some AI projects already in place within the NHS, such as the MHRA’s Software and AI as a Medical Device Change and the NHS AI Lab’s AI and Digital Regulations Service, the report stresses that these initiatives do not reach their full potential without an overarching strategy. The Health Foundation also points out the need for public and staff engagement, effective priority setting, data and digital infrastructure improvement, high-quality testing and evaluation, clear regulation, and workforce upskilling. The report praises the Conservatives’ commitment to freeing up healthcare staff’s time with AI and supports Labour’s plans for regulatory innovation and binding regulations on powerful AI models. However, it notes a reduction in the government’s planned investment in the NHS AI Lab, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive AI strategy for healthcare.