Doctor… who? How AI is already shaping the NHS 

AI is already influencing the medical industry (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the new tech trend that is on everyone’s lips. We can thank OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform for that, as this generative AI tool has taken the public by storm thanks to its simple, fun, and easy-to-use functionality. 

AI has captured the UK’s imagination to such an extent that it is now influencing university admissions.  

UCAS chief executive Clare Marchant says that 2023’s data shows that applications to study computing were up almost 10% compared to 2022, with 95,000 students applying for computing and AI-related courses.  

And the government, too, is firmly behind the potential AI has to offer, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing in October that he intends to set up a body that will investigate AI risks. 

Is AI the future of healthcare? 

Given all that, it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine a future where AI will be used in hospitals and healthcare settings for a whole host of tasks, like X-ray and MRI analyses, cancer detection, or to transcribe medical documents. 

That’s a while away though, right? Actually, not so fast: the truth is that these are all happening right now, with plenty more to come in the future. 

AI innovation is already happening (Picture: Getty Images)

The NHS says it sees AI as a ‘key element in digital transformation “to help clinicians in applying best practice, eliminate unwarranted variation across the whole pathway of care, and support patients in managing their health and condition”’. 

On the way are even more high-tech innovations. Think wearable devices like smart health monitors with the ability to provide accurate and personalised diagnoses on your wellbeing. 

And because AI is so good at analysing huge amounts of data, it can be used to spot patterns – such as a new virus, or addiction patterns in communities, for example – which may take longer to be picked up by humans. 

People are rightfully concerned about the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence for medicine, pointing out that AI models can be flawed, which could pose risks to patient safety. 

While those issues are worked out and proper oversight is put in place, it’s still a good idea for healthcare professionals to look to the future and see how AI may not only affect their own role, but also how it can augment it. 

Slack’s recent State of Work Report 2023 found that 83% of UK workers think AI and automation will make for more impactful work, and when it comes to fears over whether it will take your job entirely, economist Richard E. Baldwin, a professor of international economics at the IMD Business School, says it best. 

‘AI won’t take your job, it is somebody using AI that will take your job,’ he said recently. 

It’s food for thought, no matter what industry you work in. And if you’d like to ensure that you’re on an upward trajectory in your career, a job move can provide you with a fresh perspective, as well as updated skills.  

The Metro Job Board is a great place to start your search, containing thousands of healthcare roles all across the UK, such as the three below. 

General Medicine Doctor – Elderly Care, NHS Professionals, Worcester 

Doctors Direct is part of NHS Professionals and owned by the Department of Health and Social Care, which means that it is part of the NHS family. It is now hiring General Medicine Doctors – Elderly Care to work at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in general medicine/elderly care.

You’ll be involved in the maintenance of high-quality patient-centred care, take shared responsibility for the day-to-day management of the service and participation in strategic planning, provide teaching and training within the multidisciplinary service, and have an active involvement in multidisciplinary team meetings and directorate clinical governance activity.

You should have a broad range of experience in elderly and general medicine, experience in complex care and discharge planning, and be fully competent in a broad range of medical issues in older and general medical patients. Find out more here. 

International Emergency Medical Assistance Doctor (Part-time), AXA Partners, Redhill 

In the role of International Emergency Medical Assistance Doctor, you will provide medical assistance and advice to customers of AXA anywhere in the world, assessing their needs and coordinating with the medical team to create appropriate/efficient action plans or recommendations.

You will carry out and coordinate worldwide repatriation of AXA customers, support the head of medical services UK (HoMS) to ensure the highest standards of medical assistance is provided, and you’ll act as local clinical expert performing triage of complex cases management and providing the medical team with high-quality medical supervision of their work. If this sounds like the job for you, explore the requirements here. 

Mental Health Nurse, NHS Professionals, Norwich 

NHS Professionals is seeking a Registered Mental Health Nurse to work at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. You will be involved in providing a high level of safe and effective care, be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care, adhere to all Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, liaise with the multidisciplinary team, and provide mentorship and support to others.

You’ll have a minimum of six months of paid experience in a mental health hospital environment within the last three years, NMC Professional Registration and restraint and ILS training, completed within the last 12 months. Apply here. 

Head to the Metro Job Board now for even more fantastic healthcare roles

The future is here.