How to embed AI and digital technology into physicians’ training and practices

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 62, No. 5, June 2020, Page 179 News

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Digital Technologies unveiled 12 foundational recommendations on how to prepare physicians for the technological changes coming to their practices.

While not the focus of the report, the importance of AI and emerging digital technologies for supporting and responding to unprecedented shifts in health care become even more pronounced as physicians adhere to expectations of physical distancing while treating patients (e.g., telehealth, robotics), and challenge organizations to rethink how they prepare residents and fellows for rapid deployment of new and emerging AI technologies.

Members of the task force include fellows of the Royal College and AI experts who consulted with stakeholders, interviewed experts, and reviewed survey responses from over 4000 fellows and resident affiliates to inform the findings. The recommendations aim to inform the future of care and physician training in Canada.

The report is available at www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/health-policy/initiatives/ai-task-force-e.

. How to embed AI and digital technology into physicians’ training and practices. BCMJ, Vol. 62, No. 5, June, 2020, Page(s) 179 - News.



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