Health Professionals Embrace AI in Practice,
But Training Gaps Remain

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – A new survey from The Alan Turing Institute has revealed that while a growing number of UK doctors are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in their clinical practice, many feel underprepared to navigate the complexities and responsibilities that come with these emerging technologies.

According to the survey, which included responses from 929 doctors on the UK medical register, 29% of doctors have incorporated some form of AI into their work within the past year. Over half (52%) of respondents expressed optimism about AI’s potential to improve efficiency, support clinical decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes.

Yet, despite this enthusiasm, the study highlights a concerning training gap. While AI has started to embed itself into the daily workflow of some clinicians—particularly in fields like medicine and radiology—most doctors reported no consistent use of AI. More than half (54%) felt that the profession was not tapping into AI’s full promise. Many cited a lack of adequate training and guidance as a key barrier to broader integration and effective use.

Uncertainty about professional responsibilities in an AI-assisted environment emerged as another pressing issue. Nearly 70% of doctors surveyed said they had not received the necessary training to fully understand their professional obligations when using AI-based systems. Without structured educational support, healthcare providers may struggle to assess the risks, interpret AI outputs accurately, or understand liability in AI-aided decision-making.

The findings also showed that while doctors who currently use AI generally feel confident and consider the outputs understandable, roughly one-third (32%) admitted they do not fully grasp the risks associated with these technologies. As AI tools increasingly influence decisions—from triage to diagnosis to treatment—the need for clear guidelines, best practices, and competency standards becomes more urgent.

According to Youmna Hashem, a researcher in the AI for Public Services team at The Alan Turing Institute and one of the report’s authors, the results underscore the importance of preparing healthcare providers to work effectively with AI. “It’s encouraging to see that medical professionals are mostly positive about the opportunities of AI in medicine,” Hashem said. “But our research shows that better training is needed to realise AI’s full potential and to help doctors feel confident using it in their roles.”

Dr Jonathan Bright, Head of Online Safety and AI for Public Services at The Alan Turing Institute, agrees. “AI has the potential to revolutionise our healthcare system by helping doctors make important decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of their patients,” he noted. “This survey provides valuable insight into how doctors feel about AI and their experiences so far. We are optimistic that AI will continue to create efficiencies and advance progress in healthcare.”

In an era where AI promises to streamline processes, reduce errors, and personalise care, these findings send a clear message: the successful integration of AI into healthcare requires not only the right tools, but also the right training. Without the skills to interpret AI outputs, understand associated risks, and clarify responsibilities, healthcare professionals may struggle to harness AI’s full benefits for patient care.

References: Link to the article by the Alan Turning Institute