A new framework document has been published by Health Education England to help develop health and social care workforce skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital healthcare technologies.

The AI and Digital Healthcare Technologies Capability Framework identifies gaps in the current knowledge of health and social care staff in England and lays out a path to support the digital transformation of the workforce.

The University of Manchester was commissioned by Health Education England to carry out the research and assess the learning needs for health and care staff to develop their digital skills to meet the future needs of the healthcare service.

Use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies has the potential to be hugely beneficial to health and care staff in reducing the administrative workload for clinical staff as well as diagnostic applications that can improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, national clinical lead for AI and digital medical workforce at Health Education England, said: “Skills and capability building is essential to support the digital transformation in the NHS, and it is imperative that health and care professionals have the appropriate capabilities to deliver safe, ethical and augmented patient care.

“This framework will be enabler for both individuals wanting to assess their individual needs and digital aspirations, and for those providing education to guide an appropriate educational approach and content.”