Patient safety and the role of AI in a cautiously optimistic future: A blog by Ian Fearnley

Summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping healthcare across the globe and England is no exception. In this blog, Ian Fearnley, Head of Clinical Quality and Governance/Digital Clinical Safety Officer, gives his thoughts on AI, the advantages and the risks, and the crucial role the patient safety professional will play.

Content

From predictive analytics to clinical decision support, AI is increasingly being integrated into patient safety strategies. But while its potential is vast, its implementation demands careful scrutiny. The question is not just whether AI has a place in patient safety—I feel it clearly does—but whether it should redefine the roles of governance and safety professionals—I don’t agree. Can systems such as AI truly safeguard patients or will human oversight remain indispensable?

There is great promise with the use of AI in patient safety and it offers some advantages, such as:

• Early detection of risk: System learning algorithms can analyse vast datasets to identify patterns that signal deterioration, infection risk or medication errors often before clinicians detect it.
• Streamlined workflows: AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks, such as documentation, triage and scheduling, reduce human error and free up clinical time.
• Decision support: AI can provide real-time recommendations based on evidence-based guidelines, helping clinicians make safer, faster decisions.

These innovations are already being piloted with some healthcare providers with, so far, promising results.

However, we need to proceed with caution. Despite its promise, AI is not a single solution. There are some risks that should be in the forefront of our minds:

• Bias and inequity: Algorithms trained on incomplete or biased data can impact on decision making.
• Transparency and accountability: AI decisions can be too structured, making it difficult to trace errors or assign responsibility.
• Overreliance: There's a danger that clinicians may defer too readily to AI, undermining clinical judgment.

I feel these concerns reiterate the need for robust governance frameworks and continuous oversight. AI must be seen as a tool and not a replacement for the wealth of experience that is out there. Governance in healthcare can never become obsolete; AI may become our new colleague that continues to need support and guidance. Patient safety professionals will continue to play a crucial role in:

• Validating AI tools: Ensuring algorithms are clinically sound, ethically designed and rigorously tested.
• Monitoring outcomes: Tracking the real-world impact of AI on patient safety and intervening when necessary.
• Educating staff: Helping clinicians understand AI outputs and integrate them responsibly into care.

AI is undeniably part of the future of patient safety in healthcare, which we should welcome, but it is not a single system approach. It is one supportive component of a broader system that blends technological innovation with professional judgment and experience.

Related reading on the hub:

• New AI system to identify patient safety issues announced: Patient Safety Learning’s initial reflections
• One size does not fit all. How AI and better data can help us embrace complexity in diagnosis and treatment
• From pain to progress: How NHS trusts are tackling the complaints crisis with AI

More blogs from Ian:

• Integrating patient safety into pre-registration education

About the Author

Ian is a Registered Nurse with nearly 30 years’ experience working clinically and within the governance and patient safety arena. He has held various roles such as Director of Clinical Governance and Chief Nurse. Ian is currently Head of Clinical Quality and Governance/Digital Clinical Safety Officer. Ian is passionate about patient safety and excellent quality of care. He has led on numerous initiatives, both locally and nationally aiming to improve the quality and safety of healthcare.