Engagement paper explores the of AI in NHS communications
- 4 December 2024
- An engagement paper developed by NHS Confederation and the AI in NHS Communications Taskforce has set out visions for using AI in communications in the health service
- Actions include developing a national operating framework for using AI in communications across the NHS and establishing an NHS Communication AI community of interest group
- A survey has been created for communications professionals in the sector to help shape the implementation of these initiatives, with engagement open until 28 February 2025 before the final operating framework is published in spring 2025
The AI in NHS Communications Taskforce has published an engagement paper, in partnership with NHS Confederation, setting out a vision for using AI in communications in the health service.
The taskforce was established in early 2024 to explore the potential use of AI in NHS communications and to guide professionals in how to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI, while mitigating the risks.
Following months of engagement with the sector through webinars and in-depth discussions with industry leaders, the taskforce is inviting feedback from NHS communications professionals on an engagement paper, published on 2 December 2024.
Daniel Reynolds, director of communications at NHS Confederation, said: “Healthcare organisations are already starting to implement AI communications tools but in the absence of any frameworks and guidance.
“The work of this taskforce, and the wider support being provided by the NHS Confederation, aims to fill this gap.
“We want to ensure NHS communications professionals are supported to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI, and that they are also able to mitigate the risks.”
The paper sets out five objectives:
- Develop a national operating framework for using AI in communications across the NHS, collaborating with key stakeholders such as staff, patients, communities, regulators and industry partners
- Establish an NHS AI communication innovation hub which will serve as a centre of excellence platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, supporting technical development, testing, and deploying innovative solutions
- Establish an NHS communication AI community of interest group – a collaborative network of peers from various backgrounds and organisations who can connect, think and learn with practical insights and feedback on approaches that will help NHS organisations improve how they communicate using AI
- Create an AI communication ethics framework – this will set out the principles and values guiding our use of AI, addressing critical issues such as data protection, privacy, consent, fairness, transparency and human oversight
- Implement an AI communication monitoring and evaluation system – to ensure accountability and continuous improvement, the system will measure and report on the performance, outcomes and impacts of AI communication systems and practices using a range of indicators and methods
The engagement exercise runs from 2 December 2024 until 28 February 2025 with a series of regional engagement sessions taking place in January and February 2025, before the final operating framework is published in spring 2025.
Richard Mountford, director of communications and community engagement at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, who sits on the AI in NHS Communications Taskforce, said: “We’re seeing communications teams across the sector preparing for this shift.
“The NHS framework could become the de facto standard for healthcare AI communications across the UK.”
Meanwhile, a survey published by the Health Foundation on 3 December 2024, found that three quarters (75%) of the public support sharing some of their personal health data for the development of AI in the NHS.
