Ian Fearnley

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. 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

Patient safety and high-quality care is the foundation of healthcare delivery, aimed at minimising risks, errors and harm to patients. It is important for students in their pre-registration education to understand that the principles of patient safety, and delivering safe and high-quality care, is not merely an academic requirement but a professional and ethical duty. By embedding patient safety into the core of pre-registration learning, educational establishments can ensure that the healthcare professionals of the future are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to deliver high-quality, safe and effective care. The guiding principles of effective patient safety encompasses a wide range of practices, including the prevention of medical errors, learning from those errors, effective communication among healthcare teams and fostering a culture that has the patient’s wellbeing at its heart. Medical errors, which often range from diagnostic inaccuracies to medication mistakes, with equal deviations of harm, are a leading cause of preventable harm worldwide. Teaching students early in their careers to recognise and mitigate these risks is essential for building a resilient healthcare system with deep-rooted patient safety practices at its heart. Learning ‘on the shop floor’ should never be underestimated for its importance in pre-registration learning. Classroom and simulation-based learning both provide a safe environment for students to practice procedures and decision-making without risking patient safety. Life-like mannequins and virtual reality tools imitate the real-world scenarios, enabling pre-registration students to gain confidence and competence in handling complex situations. The importance of collaborative learning experiences between all healthcare professional students fosters teamwork and communication. Patient safety often hinges on effective partnerships, as errors can occur when information is not adequately shared among team members. By ensuring patient safety is an integral part of any pre-registration programme enables the students to develop a mutual respect and understanding of other healthcare professionals’ roles and the impact they have in the delivery of safe and effective patient care. Pre-registration education highlights the development of critical thinking skills. Encouraging students to explore case studies, reflect on errors and propose solutions nurtures a proactive approach to patient safety. The educational programme must provide opportunities to explore the ethical principles and legal responsibilities underpinning patient care, ensuring students understand the gravity of their actions and that accountability and transparency are integral to a culture of safety. Educators and patient safety specialists play a pivotal role in cultivating an environment where patient safety is a shared priority. Open and supportive discussions about errors, near misses and system failures help normalise the learning process and reduce stigma. Encouraging students to report, reflect and learn from near-misses and mistakes fosters a mindset focused on continuous improvement rather than blame. Despite its obvious importance, integrating patient safety into pre-registration learning can be challenging. Factors such as limited resources, time constraints and varying levels of expertise may hinder comprehensive training. However, advancements in technology and the growing recognition of patient safety’s importance provide opportunities for innovative approaches. Online modules, augmented reality, and mentorship and working placements within the local governance/quality teams can supplement traditional teaching methods. It is important that influential bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Medical Council (GMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP) and other accreditation bodies ensure that patient safety within pre-registration education is an integral part and meets rigorous standards. In mandating specific competencies and assessments related to patient safety, these entities hold institutions accountable for producing competent healthcare providers. The integration of patient safety into pre-registration education is vital for preparing future healthcare professionals to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. By prioritising safety at the earliest stages of education, institutions not only protect patients but also empower students to become confident, ethical and effective practitioners. In an era where the stakes are higher than ever, investing in patient safety education is an investment in the future of healthcare itself.