Updated Advice to the Profession: Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice

2 minutes

Given the rapidly evolving nature of artificial intelligence (AI), CPSA has updated its Advice to the Profession (AtP) on Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice (formerly titled “Artificial Intelligence in Generated Patient Record Content”).

We have included additional context in this update to acknowledge the increased adoption of AI tools (e.g., ambient scribes, documentation support) in clinical practice, clarify expectations for safe and appropriate use, and address the potential benefits and harms of using AI in patient care.

We recognize that the full scope of AI’s impact continues to evolve as research and data regarding its accuracy, reliability and safety in clinical practice continue to be developed.

A few highlights from this updated AtP include:

• Encouraging regulated members to adopt a balanced approach to using AI in clinical practice while minimizing potential harm
• Reminding regulated members that while AI can support clinical care and documentation, AI is currently unregulated in Canada and Alberta
  • Regulated members remain fully accountable for all patient record content and clinical decisions, and for the appropriate use of AI in supporting those decisions, including when use of AI contributes to adverse outcomes
• Informing regulated members that AI use must align with privacy legislation and CPSA Standards of Practice, including:
  • Completion of/update to Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) prior to introducing AI tools into clinical practice
  • Informing patients and obtaining consent for the use of AI tools in their care
  • Documenting how and when AI is used in patient records, especially when used to inform diagnosis, treatment or clinical notes

Please take some time to review the complete AtP document here.