Initiative overview
The Joint AI plan for 2024–2025 is described as a holistic plan aimed at ensuring the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in the health and care services. The National Health and Coordination Plan 2024–2027 notes that AI could make a substantial contribution to the sustainable development of the shared health service, helping to automate tasks and improve work processes, which will be essential in addressing future challenges relating to health personnel capacity and service quality. The plan includes both clinical and non-clinical applications, with an emphasis on realising benefits through the effective implementation of AI technology. The procurement and use of commercial AI products is considered a fast-track way to reap benefits, and the plan places less emphasis on research and development concerning AI products.
The Directorate of Health leads the work in cooperation with the Medical Products Agency, the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the regional health authorities and KS. The involvement of patients and health professionals is important in selecting relevant AI applications. Medically appropriate, ethical and safe use is described as essential to ensure trust among healthcare professionals and patients, including preventing bias in AI systems that could lead to unfair treatment outcomes. Increased competence concerning digital transformation and AI is identified as needed among managers, health professionals and citizens alike.
The plan is structured around six focus areas: sector collaboration concerning AI, including creation of an AI council and thematic seminars; further development of cross-agency information pages; cross-agency regulatory guidance covering current regulations and impending EU regulations such as the AI Regulation and European Health Data Space (EHDS); a framework for the use of AI including quality assurance and standardisation work; work on large language models including risk assessments and adaptation to Norwegian conditions; and strengthening AI competence through knowledge development and a report on recommendations to meet competence needs. Cooperation within the EU and Nordic countries is highlighted as important to adapt to, contribute to and benefit from shared experiences and resources.
