Press release

02/07/18

02 July 2018

RCP clarifies position on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare

RCP president Professor Dame Jane Dacre has commented:

AI to support patient care is being developed in a variety of ways and has huge potential to support doctors and enable them to spend more time with patients. Although this technology is exciting, the physician still holds the crucial role of the oversight of the vital human and caring side of medicine – an aspect of care that cannot be underestimated.

The AI applications developed so far can’t replace a fully trained and qualified doctor. We need much more robust trials and evidence to work out how it can best be used. We need studies in real patients, in real time, in the real NHS.

For further information please contact RCP head of PR and public affairs Linda Cuthbertson on +44 (0)20 3075 1254 or linda.cuthbertson@rcplondon.ac.uk.