Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its clinical care, operations, and research, according to Mark Coker, the Chief Digital Information Officer.
AI Strategy Overview
The hospital’s AI strategy, co-authored by Coker and Andrew Taylor, the Director of Innovation, aims to develop practical AI solutions that enhance patient outcomes over the next three years. Key components of this strategy include:
- Managing operating room schedules with AI
- Creating predictive models for ICU demand and bed occupancy
- Providing care summaries prior to clinic visits and ward rounds
- Suggesting responses to patient messages
Vision for Digital Innovation
Coker emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is a pivotal moment in time for digital innovation. With national ambitions for the NHS to transition from analogue to digital, we must ensure that care for children and young people is not left behind.”
Commitment to Ethical AI Use
The strategy prioritizes:
- Enhancing clinical decision-making and care with AI
- Streamlining operations and improving efficiency
- Optimizing non-clinical workflows
Coker noted that while the strategy recognizes the potential benefits of AI, it also addresses ethical concerns regarding its implementation. The first year will focus on establishing monitoring and reporting structures to ensure safety, ethics, and governance are prioritized.
Implementation Phases
GOSH plans to adhere to the UK government’s AI Playbook to ensure lawful and ethical AI use, maintaining human oversight throughout the process. Key aspects include:
- Clinicians retaining decision-making authority
- Oversight by an AI ethics committee
- Rigorous testing of all devices for safety and efficacy
The second phase of the strategy will focus on scaling AI use across hospital operations, aiming for full integration and leadership in the field. Coker stated, “Implementing AI-driven solutions will enable GOSH to increase the degree of personalized treatment we can provide, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve resource management.”
Workforce Education and Training
Educating and upskilling the workforce in the ethical use of AI is crucial. The strategy includes:
- Webinars and hands-on workshops
- Technical training sessions
- Live demonstrations
This initiative aims to create a workforce that is fully literate in AI, understanding its functionality and limitations.
Upcoming Technology Rollout
GOSH will also introduce ambient scribing technology from TORTUS this autumn, following a successful London-wide NHS trial that demonstrated significant benefits for both patients and clinicians. Coker remarked, “By streamlining administrative tasks, AI drives efficiencies and productivity gains, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care.”