The potential of Artificial Intelligence within Public Health and healthcare systems

In this blog, GCPH Public Health Programme Manager Chris Harkins gives us an overview of the learning from his latest publication The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Public Health and healthcare systems in Scotland – an introductory discussion paper.

AI in Healthcare: no, it’s not The Terminator, and yes, you should care

Let’s be honest, our first encounters with Artificial Intelligence weren’t exactly heartwarming. If, like me, you grew up in the 80s, your introduction to AI probably came in the form of a towering, leather-clad Arnold Schwarzenegger promising to "terminate" humanity. Not the best PR for emerging technology.

Fast forward a few decades, and AI is no longer a sci-fi villain. It’s here, it’s real, and it’s already shaping healthcare and public health in ways we never imagined back in the 80s. But here’s the catch: just as AI evolves, so must our understanding of it, especially if you work in public health and healthcare systems. And that’s exactly why I wrote this report.

AI in Public Health: more than just hype

The use of AI in healthcare is developing at an astonishing pace, and this rapid evolution means one thing: healthcare professionals must stay informed. AI isn’t something that should just be left to the tech whizzes; it needs the voices and expertise of those who actually understand patient care, current Public Health challenges, and, crucially, the importance of equity and inclusion in healthcare.

Incorporating AI into Scotland’s healthcare system isn’t just about efficiency or the latest innovation buzzwords. It’s about ensuring AI is developed and implemented in a way that aligns with the fundamental ethos of Public Health and the values that underpin the NHS. 

No, you don’t need to learn to code

Let’s clear this up: learning about AI doesn’t mean you need to start coding or become a data scientist overnight. Instead, it’s about upskilling in the right ways, even just a little. It means knowing how to collaborate with technologists, asking the right questions, identifying biases and risks, and advocating for AI solutions that can work within complex and stretched NHS systems and that serve the public good.

To make this topic more accessible, my report is structured around eight key questions that Scotland’s public health and healthcare professionals need to consider when engaging with AI. This structure was intuitive to me, and I hope it makes sense to those reading the report too:

1. Why should Public Health and healthcare professionals begin learning about AI?
2. What AI capacity and skills exist in Scotland currently?
3. Is AI already in use within Scotland’s Public Health and healthcare systems?
4. What are the likely positives and negatives of using AI in Scotland’s healthcare?
5. Is AI currently used to gather data from social media to support Public Health interventions?
6. How do patients feel about AI in healthcare?
7. What are the policy and governance considerations around AI in Scotland’s healthcare system?
8. What are the opportunities and challenges in embedding AI further into Scotland’s healthcare systems?

AI is a tool, not a magic fix

We need to be clear about AI’s role in healthcare, it is not a silver bullet. It won’t single-handedly reduce NHS waiting times or fix an overstretched system. History has shown us that technology-driven innovations that focus solely on efficiency often fail when they ignore the realities and complexities of healthcare delivery.

AI should never be "shoehorned" into existing systems just because it’s the latest tech trend. Instead, healthcare leaders and professionals must take a more holistic view and ask:

• What are we trying to achieve by redesigning this service?
• How can we safely and equitably use AI to improve patient outcomes?
• How can we use AI to safely reduce the burden on staff?
• How do patient groups and the general public feel about AI’s use in this way?

Only then should we explore how AI can play a safe, ethical, and effective role in service redesign.

A future of AI that works for everyone

Scotland has significant and ever developing AI capacity. AI must be developed in a way that is safe, equitable, and aligned with the core values of Public Health and the NHS. That means investing in AI should never come at the expense of human compassion, clinical judgment, or policies that improve health and explicitly tackle health inequalities.

By fostering public awareness, encouraging collaboration, ensuring strong oversight and ethical compliance, and prioritising patient and public safety at all times, we can create a future where AI enhances Public Health and healthcare systems in Scotland.

So, as Public Health and healthcare workers, let’s not fear AI. Let’s engage with it. Don’t be afraid to question it, and to shape it in a way that truly benefits patients and staff alike.

Chris will be continuing to reflect on the role of AI in Public Health and welcomes feedback. If you are interested in learning more about this work please email us at info@gcph.co.uk. Alternatively, you can sign up to our network (link below) for future updates.