Navigating Ethics: The Role of AI in Transforming NHS Healthcare (2024)

This dissertation investigates and highlights how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in healthcare, offering the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce administrative burdens and enhance patient outcomes. However, its adoption also raises significant ethical challenges, particularly in the context of the National Health Service (NHS). This study explores the ethical implications of AI in the NHS, focusing on the perspectives of healthcare workers. By conducting a quantitative survey of 112 NHS staff across eight job roles, this research examines their attitudes towards AI, their concerns about its ethical challenges and the implications for the NHS.

The findings reveal that NHS workers generally have positive attitudes towards the potential benefits of AI. Most participants agreed that AI can improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce administrative burdens and enhance patient outcomes. However, they also expressed concerns about the risks of AI, particularly its potential to reduce the human touch in healthcare and lead to job losses. These concerns reflect broader anxieties about the impact of automation on employment and the importance of maintaining the human element in healthcare.

The findings of this study have important implications for the NHS as it seeks to adopt AI technologies in a way that is ethical, fair and beneficial for all patients. Key recommendations include the need for training and education to help NHS workers use AI effectively and ethically, transparency and trust-building to address concerns about bias and accountability and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies to prevent widening health inequalities. By addressing these challenges, the NHS can harness the potential of AI to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Dissertation aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this research is to explore the ethical implications of AI in the NHS, with a focus on the views of healthcare workers. To achieve this aim the study has the following objectives:

• To examine the attitudes of NHS workers towards AI in healthcare: This includes understanding their perceptions of the benefits and risks of AI as well as their level of confidence in using AI technologies.
• To identify the key ethical concerns associated with AI in healthcare: This involves exploring issues such as bias, privacy, accountability and equity as perceived by NHS staff.
• To assess the potential impact of AI on patient care and healthcare delivery: This includes considering how AI might improve efficiency and outcomes as well as any potential negative consequences.
• To provide recommendations for the ethical implementation of AI in the NHS: Based on the findings, this study will offer practical suggestions for policymakers and healthcare leaders to ensure that AI is used in a way that is fair, transparent and beneficial to all.

• 10,000 words – 46 pages in length
• Excellent use of literature
• Good analysis of subject area
• Well written throughout
• Includes questionnaire
• Ideal for nursing students

1 – Introduction
Research Background
Research Aims and Objectives
Significance of the Study
Summary

2 – Literature Review
The Potential Benefits of AI in Healthcare
Ethical Concerns Surrounding AI in Healthcare
The Role of Healthcare Workers in AI Adoption
The Specific Context of AI in the NHS
Benefits of AI in Healthcare

3 – Methodology
Research Design
Sampling Strategy
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Limitations

4 – Data Analysis
Demographics
Job Roles
Years of Experience
Familiarity with AI
Attitudes Towards AI
Perceived Benefits of AI
Perceived Risks of AI
Differences Between Job Roles
Ethical Concerns
Level of Concern About Ethical Issues
Differences Between Job Roles
Open-Ended Responses
Concerns About Bias
Suggestions for Improving Transparency
Training and Education

5 – Discussion
Attitudes Towards AI
Ethical Concerns
Bias in AI Algorithms
Patient Privacy
Accountability
Equity
Differences Between Job Roles
Doctors and Nurses
Administrative Staff
IT Staff and Radiologists
Implications for the NHS
Training and Education
Transparency and Trust
Equity and Access

6 – Conclusion
Summary of Key Findings
Implications for the NHS
Training and Education
Transparency and Trust
Equity and Access
Recommendations for Future Research
Patient Perspectives
Impact on Health Inequalities

References

Appendix
Questionnaire