Michael McHale , 2025-05-09 07:30:00
Pilot project at St Vincent’s Hospital is currently testing AI’s potential role in performing heart ultrasound scans
The development of personalised healthcare plans and predicting patient inflows to reduce overcrowding are among the tasks that artificial intelligence (AI) could assist, according to new Government guidelines on the use of the revolutionary technology.
Launched yesterday by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers, ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ outlines where the technology may be adopted in state agencies, but also the risks associated with its use.
Among its recommendations, the document advises that free generative AI tools pose ‘significant risks’ for the public sector due to a ‘lack of suitable oversight and management’. As a result the guidelines advise that free programmes should not be used in public services.
However, outlining some of the tasks where AI can be used, the document references healthcare as part of AI’s ability to tailor services to individual user needs, stating that it could be used in ‘providing personalised health plans based on patient history and genetic data.’
The use of AI algorithms to optimise processes and decision-making is also noted in the area of public health management, with the guidelines describing the technology’s potential in ‘predicting patient inflows during seasonal surges to reduce overcrowding and improve care’ as an example of its effective use in the public service.
“AI offers immense possibilities to improve the provision of public services. These guidelines support public service bodies in undertaking responsible innovation in a way that is practical, helpful and easy to follow,” said Minister Chambers.
“In keeping with Government’s AI strategy, the guidance as well as the learning and development supports being offered by the Institute for Public Administration, will help public servants to pursue those opportunities in a way that is responsible.
“AI is already transforming our world and it is crucial that we embrace that change and adapt quickly in order to deliver better policy and better public services for the people of Ireland.”
The guidelines highlight a number of examples where AI is already in action, including in St Vincent’s University Hospital.
The south Dublin campus is currently conducting a study to test if AI can assist when performing high-quality heart ultrasound scans.
Called the ‘AI-Guided Echo Project,’ will investigate whether AI can help capture accurate images in real-world medical settings.
St Vincent’s is testing Caption AI, a tool that uses AI to guide non-specialist healthcare workers, such as nurses and clinical staff, in capturing high-quality heart images. The AI gives real-time instructions, helping them get the best possible images for cardiologists to analyse later.
While most heart scans are performed by cardiac physiologists, a shortage of staff in this specialty has led to waiting times of six months or more in many healthcare settings.
By using Caption AI, the hospital hopes to improve access to heart scans, shorten wait times, and reduce pressures on specialist staff.
Researchers also hope that the technology will make heart screenings more efficient, leading to faster diagnoses and earlier treatment, which could save lives and improve patient care.
