The NHS should get quicker access to the latest AI tools, thanks to a new National Commission that has been tasked with advising the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on how to rewrite the regulatory rulebook on AI in healthcare, which will be published next year.
The UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare will bring in experts from big tech companies – like Google and Microsoft – as well as leading clinicians, researchers and patient advocates, to advise regulators on how to speed up access to the latest tech in a safe way, so British patients can safely benefit from it first.
The Commission will also look at accelerating access to AI assistants for doctors that help by taking notes, with regulatory uncertainty currently holding the tech back.
It is also expected to provide regulatory clarity on various AI tools such as those for radiology and pathology, and remote monitoring systems to support virtual care of patients from their own homes – alerting staff to early signs of deterioration while helping people live independently.
“AI has incredible potential to help doctors spot and treat diseases earlier. But we need experts to come together so patients can benefit from these opportunities quickly and safely,” said Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“This Commission will ensure the UK leads the way in making these game-changing technologies available in the safest possible way, helping more of us to lead healthy, longer lives and supporting our NHS.”
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