Artificial intelligence in healthcare

Artificial intelligence in healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in healthcare, with some tools designed for clinical settings and others being general-purpose. While AI technology presents a number of benefits and efficiencies to health practitioners, certain considerations should be taken when applying AI tools in the provision of patient care.

Some AI tools in healthcare are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA oversees therapeutic goods that meet the definition of a medical device, including software with a therapeutic purpose.

General-purpose tools, such as AI scribing, do not qualify as medical devices and are therefore not regulated by the TGA.

AHPRA and the National Boards support the safe use of AI in healthcare to drive innovation and improve outcomes. Practitioners must ensure AI is used responsibly, and consider the practical and ethical implications of incorporating the technology.

Meeting your obligations when using AI tools

Practitioners must understand the risks of using AI tools in patient care, or apps (such as chatbots) that simulate care conversations. When using these technologies, they should:

If you are employing AI tools in your delivery of patient care:

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