Health Education England has published a capability framework that will allow for the health and care workforce to build up skills in artificial intelligence and digital healthcare technologies.
The AI and Digital Healthcare Technologies Capability Framework identifies gaps in the current knowledge of the NHS staff in England and lays out a path to support the digital transformation of the workforce.
The framework builds on recommendations made in the Topol Review which was published in 2019 that examined the technological needs for the NHS to become a world-leader in utilising digital tools in healthcare to support patients.
The University of Manchester was commissioned by Health Education England to carry out the research and assess the learning needs for health and care staff to develop their digital skills to meet the future needs of the healthcare service.
Use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies has the potential to be hugely beneficial to health and care staff in reducing the administrative workload for clinical staff as well as diagnostic applications that can improve outcomes for patients.
Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, National Clinical Lead for AI and Digital Medical Workforce at Health Education England, said: “Skills and capability building is essential to support the digital transformation in the NHS, and it is imperative that health and care professionals have the appropriate capabilities to deliver safe, ethical and augmented patient care. This framework will be enabler for both individuals wanting to assess their individual needs and digital aspirations, and for those providing education to guide an appropriate educational approach and content.”
