Michael McHale , 2025-10-21 11:28:00
The body has published its position paper on the use of artificial intelligence in clinical decision-making
In the face of the transformative nature of artificial intelligence (AI), doctors’ knowledge and expertise must remain at the forefront of clinical decision making, the Medical Council has said.
Launching its position paper on AI, the council said it recognises the great potential that the technology holds for the medical field. It supports the integration of AI into clinical settings but said that this integration must be underpinned by a doctor’s commitment to patient safety, professional integrity, and public trust.
“As AI increasingly makes its way into healthcare, we as the regulator have a responsibility to doctors and patients to guide its safe, ethical, and effective use in clinical decision-making,” said Medical Council CEO Dr Maria O’Kane.
“We must anticipate challenges, set clear expectations, and above all, ensure that AI supports safe, high-quality patient care.
She added: “Doctors hold a privileged position of trust in society, and it is critical that they adhere to good professional practice principles when integrating AI into medical practice.”
The position statement sets out the core values and considerations that should guide doctors in the responsible use of AI in clinical settings. These key areas include:
- Professional accountability and clinical judgment
- Transparency, communication, and shared decision-making
- Equity, ethics, and the prevention of bias
- Confidentiality, data protection, and information security, and
- Education, competence, and continuous professional development
The paper argues that, by adhering to good professional practice principles, doctors can ensure that AI contributes to safer, more effective medical treatment, rather than allow it to replace their clinical decision making.
“Advancements in AI hold great potential for the medical field but also introduce significant ethical, legal, regulatory and professional challenges for doctors using AI in their practice,” said Jantze Cotter, executive director for regulatory policy and standards at the Medical Council
“It is important to have strong governance of AI in this context, without stifling the potential innovation that AI could bring.
“In cases where AI contributes to errors or adverse outcomes, the same professional and legal standards apply as they would for any other clinical tool or technology. Strong governance frameworks help mitigate risks, ensuring AI is used ethically, transparently, and in alignment with best practices.”
The Medical Council said that its guidance will be periodically reviewed in line with advancements in AI technology and regulatory developments, and should be read in conjunction with the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners as well as government guidelines on AI use.
The statement on the use of AI in Clinical Decision-Making can be found here.
