Healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation. The recently released NHS 10 Year Plan outlines a bold shift from analogue to digital, promising AI-assisted care, integrated records, and patient-led services. As the plan states, “The shift from analogue to digital will transform the NHS from being a bricks and mortar service to a digitally led one, where patients can access care online and offline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
More broadly, the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan has committed the Government to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public service delivery, from the drafting of reports to the rollout of diagnostic tools.
However, as these technologies become embedded within clinical practice, a critical question emerges: Are our clinicians adequately prepared – do they feel safe and supported to embrace this change?
From analogue to digital in a changing NHS
The NHS’s digital ambitions are clear. The plan envisions a future where clinicians deliver and design care around patients using integrated digital records, and AI to enhance clinical decision-making and streamline workflows. Yet, while the infrastructure is evolving, the human element – confidence, competence, and trust of our clinicians – is often overlooked.
Traditionally, medical education has not equipped clinicians with a foundational understanding of technology, its risks, or its governance. Many enter practice with minimal exposure to digital systems – let alone AI-driven tools. This gap is not only technical; it is cultural, shaping how clinicians perceive, trust, and engage with emerging technologies.
Digital confidence matters
Research indicates that 73% of UK healthcare professionals have never used AI in their clinical practice, citing fears around errors, lack of confidence, and limited awareness of AI’s potential. This lack of trust is further compounded by fears of accountability. If an AI tool makes a mistake, who is responsible? How do we ensure that digital systems enhance, rather than undermine, clinical judgement?
In a recent conversation with a doctor, they asked me, “Will this technology replace me? Could it put my license at risk?” These are not merely technical questions; they are real human concerns. They reflect a broader unease that must be addressed if the NHS is to successfully navigate this digital transition.
To close this confidence gap, the FUTURE-AI framework recommends embedding explainability, usability, and fairness into the design and deployment of AI tools ensuring that clinicians can understand, trust, and safely integrate them into practice. Yet technology alone is not enough. We must also invest in education, open dialogue, and strong leadership to build digital confidence from the ground up.
The role of clinical leaders in driving change
Clinical leaders, occupy a pivotal position in bridging the confidence gap within healthcare. Our remit goes far beyond appraisal and revalidation; it encompasses shaping culture, fostering trust, and championing innovation across the profession.
- Remain informed about emerging technologies and their clinical, ethical, and operational implications.
- Adapt governance frameworks to incorporate roles such as Clinical Safety Officers and ensure robust oversight of digital risks.
- Equip clinical governance teams with the knowledge and tools to manage digital transformation effectively.
- Model digital engagement not merely compliance, but curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Equally important is our advocacy for systems that safeguard both clinicians and patients. This requires rigorous evaluation of AI tools – not only for technical performance, but for usability, workflow integration, and their impact on clinical decision-making.
Empowering clinicians for a technology-enabled future
Empowering clinicians begins with education and psychological safety. The following 5 actions can help accelerate this process:
- In-house training on digital literacy: Deliver sessions covering AI fundamentals, data governance, and digital ethics.
- Induction modules: Integrate digital literacy into onboarding programmes for new clinicians.
- Safe learning environments: Establish forums where clinicians can explore emerging tools without fear of judgment.
- Peer-led workshops: Encourage technology-proficient clinicians to mentor colleagues and share best practices.
- Feedback loops: Involve clinicians in the evaluation and refinement of digital tools to ensure relevance and usability.
Digital transformation is not just a technical shift – it’s a cultural one. As Responsible Officers and clinical leaders, we must lead with empathy, insight, and integrity. By fostering trust, building digital literacy, and ensuring robust governance, we can empower clinicians to thrive in a technology-enabled future and ensure that innovation serves both clinicians and patients.
