Earlier today I gave a presentation on generative AI in healthcare at the Lincolnshire AHP conference, focusing on the practical implications of the technology for clinicians. The presentation covered how generative AI works, its current capabilities in the context of clinical practice, and the challenges healthcare systems face in adoption.
Main points
- Effective use of generative AI relies on structured prompting with rich context – treating it like having a conversation rather than a keyword search
- AI systems like Google’s AMIE have demonstrated diagnostic accuracy and empathy that matches or exceeds primary care physicians
- AI reduces skills gaps across domains, with the combination of human and AI outperforming either working alone
- Major barriers remain: 50% of UK healthcare workers lack digital literacy, and legacy healthcare systems resist rapid change
- The key to better individual use is in developing “taste” through experience and treating AI as a collaborative partner who shares responsibility for outputs – occasionally biased or forgetful, just like human colleagues