The healthcare industry is on the cusp of a revolution, with AI poised to transform diagnoses, treatments, and patient care. From Large Language Models (LLMs) to Small Language Models (SLMs), AI's potential is immense. However, risks, as highlighted by ECRI's Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2025, are also a top concern.
Bridging the gap between AI technology and trustworthy healthcare solutions requires addressing ethical, regulatory, and human factors. KPMG's recent GenAI 2024 Survey and a report by The Alan Turing Institute (the Turing) and the General Medical Council (GMC) underscore both the excitement and concerns surrounding GenAI in healthcare.
While AI adoption is widespread in other industries, healthcare demands higher scrutiny due to its direct impact on patient lives. Legislative progress, such as the EU AI Act, is ongoing, but comprehensive regulatory frameworks are still developing. Organisations like the MHRA and NICE are actively addressing AI, and the ICO provides guidance on data protection. Initiatives like the Turing Institute's work on AI ethics and the UK government's Generative AI Framework signal a growing awareness of the need for clear guidelines.
Despite these efforts, a gap remains between awareness and action, with many organisations lacking scalable governance processes for AI. Navigating the AI regulatory landscape can be challenging, requiring a comprehensive understanding of regulatory bodies, white papers, and frameworks.
