Earlier this month, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) released interim guidance to assist osteopaths in integrating artificial intelligence into their practice responsibly, aligning with the Osteopathic Practice Standards (OPS). Recognising AI's growing presence in healthcare, the guidance focuses on maintaining the profession's core values whilst also recognising the potential for change. 

Key principles from the guidance 

The interim guidance outlines four main principles derived from the OPS: 

• Accountability: Osteopaths remain fully responsible for clinical decisions, even when utilising AI tools. They must ensure AI applications comply with ethical, legal, and competence standards. 

• AI literacy: Practitioners should understand the capabilities, limitations, and potential biases of AI tools they employ. This knowledge is crucial for informed decision-making and maintaining patient trust. 

• Transparency and consent: Patients must be informed when AI is used in their care. Their preferences should be respected, and they should have the opportunity to raise concerns about AI's impact on their treatment. 

• Patient safety and confidentiality: Data protection laws apply when AI processes patient information. Osteopaths must ensure robust safeguards are in place to protect patient data and confidentiality. 

Ongoing review and feedback 

Given the rapid evolution of AI technologies, the GOsC intends to regularly review and update this guidance. Feedback from osteopaths, patients, education providers, and other stakeholders is encouraged to ensure the guidance remains relevant and supportive. 

For the full article, click here or for the interim guidance, click here.