Physician Views and Infrastructure Reality
The Royal College of Physicians report captures a clear professional view: doctors broadly back AI in healthcare but see major readiness gaps. Around 70% of physicians express support for AI tools that can assist diagnosis, triage and workflow. At the same time 68% say current digital infrastructure in the NHS is not fit for purpose. The mismatch between clinician optimism and technical capability risks wasted investment, fractured workflows and patient safety hazards if left unaddressed.
Urgent Recommendations for AI Integration
Strengthening Digital Foundations
The RCP calls for sustained investment in IT, mandatory EPR standards and interoperable systems so data can safely flow across settings. It recommends creating a central bank of approved AI tools to simplify procurement and reduce inconsistent local deployments. High-quality data, standardised records and reliable connectivity are prerequisites for any effective AI rollout.
Safeguarding Patients and Ethics
Patient safety sits at the centre of the RCP recommendations. Clinician and patient co-design must guide algorithm development and app deployment so tools address real clinical needs and reduce health inequalities. Robust regulation, transparent performance metrics and an ethical roadmap are needed to manage bias, accountability and data governance before systems go live.
Workforce Preparedness
The report urges reforms to undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and expanded continuing professional development focused on digital literacy, AI appraisal and human factors. Clinicians should be equipped to interpret algorithm outputs, question model limits and protect clinical judgement as central to care delivery.
The Path to Responsible AI Adoption
The RCP’s message is practical and measured. AI should support clinicians, not replace their judgement. Realising benefits requires a sequence of technical upgrades, regulated approvals, and clinician-led implementation with patients at the heart. For policymakers and healthcare leaders the priority is clear: build the foundations first, then scale tools that are safe, equitable and clinically meaningful.
