Artificial Intelligence and the health workforce: Perspectives from medical associations on AI and health

Healthcare has progressed through advancements in medicine, leading to improved global life expectancy. Nevertheless, the sector faces increasing challenges, including heightened demand, soaring costs, and an overburdened workforce. Factors contributing to health workforce strain include ageing populations, increasing burden from non-communicable and chronic diseases, healthcare providers’ burnout, and evolving patient expectations. Artificial Intelligence could potentially transform healthcare by alleviating some of these pressures. But AI in health poses risks to health providers through potential workforce disruption, with changing roles requiring adapted skills, with some functions subject to automation. Striking a balance between innovation and safeguards is imperative.