Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy owners must continue to meet General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards at all times when using artificial intelligence (AI), the regulator has said.
A new GPhC position statement on the use of AI in pharmacy said that while the technology has the potential to benefit patients and the public it also creates risks that need to be managed.
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It makes clear that pharmacy professionals remain ‘personally accountable’ for their decisions and actions and must always use their professional judgement when AI tools are involved.
The statement adds that pharmacy professionals should be transparent about their use of AI tools, protect patient confidentiality, and explain to patients how AI is being used in their care alongside any associated risks or benefits.
The GPhC also said that pharmacy owners and superintendent pharmacists would be expected to:
- Carry out due diligence to make sure AI tools are safe, appropriate and used in line with their intended purpose;
- Have clear governance arrangements, including risk assessments, data security, patient confidentiality and information governance;
- Make sure any AI tools used are supported by suitable training, so staff understand the system and its limitations; and
- Make sure AI tools are monitored and reviewed as part of routine quality and risk management.
Kathie Cashell, chief executive of the GPhC, said: ‘Artificial intelligence has the potential to support improvements in pharmacy services and patient care, but it also brings new challenges.
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‘We want to support everyone working in pharmacy to use AI effectively to improve patient care, at the same time as protecting patient safety.’
Although the GPhC does not have a role in regulating AI tools or assessing their clinical safety, the regulator said it would keep its standards and guidance under review to ensure they support the safe and effective use of AI in pharmacy.
The AI position statement was published earlier this week alongside supporting advice on the use of AI in education and training, and in revalidation.
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The GPhC also recently published a joint statement on the use of AI in education and training, agreed together with four other health and care regulators.
This statement included a set of guiding principles for providers of health and care education to consider during the design and delivery of their education programmes.
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