Applying your code of conduct to evolving technologies - AI in healthcare

22 Aug 2024

Are you using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your practice?

AI is rapidly becoming integrated into everyday healthcare and has the potential to transform and support new and innovative ways of working. So how do you ensure when using these new technologies that you maintain the continued high standard of care expected from your patients and clients?

Ahpra and National Boards support the safe use of AI in healthcare recognising the significant potential to improve health outcomes and create a more person-centred health system.

While the potential of AI to improve diagnostics and disease detection has been reported for some time, recent commentary has focused on the benefits for health practitioners for improved care and patient satisfaction, including reducing administrative burdens and health practitioner burnout.  

As new tools emerge, so do the unique practical and ethical issues associated with its use in a healthcare setting. Ahpra and the National Boards have developed principles for practitioners to consider when using or looking to integrate AI into their practice.

These principles translate existing obligations in practitioner codes of conduct and reminds practitioners to consider these responsibilities when assessing the appropriate use of AI. 

Specific professional obligations to consider include accountability, an appropriate understanding of the tool, transparency of its use, informed consent and ethical and legal issues. 

Read Meeting your professional obligations when using AI in healthcare and its supporting case studies on the Ahpra website to learn more about what safe and effective use of AI should look like. 

Other practitioner resources

• Code of conduct
• Information for practitioners who provide virtual care
• Managing health records