Health Education England (HEE) has launched an AI and Digital Healthcare Technologies Capability framework , which aims to allow for the health and care workforce to build up skills in artificial intelligence and digital healthcare technologies.

The Framework identifies gaps in the current knowledge of the workforce and sets out a path to support the digital transformation of the workforce.

HEE commissioned The University of Manchester to assess the learning needs for the workforce to develop their digital skills to meet the future needs of the healthcare service.

The framework also builds on recommendations from the 2019 Topol Review, which examined the technological needs for the NHS to become a world-leader in utilising digital tools in healthcare to support patients.

Dr. Hatim Abdulhussein, National Clinical Lead for AI and Digital Medical Workforce at Health Education England, said: “Skills and capability building is essential to support the digital transformation in the NHS, and it is imperative that health and care professionals have the appropriate capabilities to deliver safe, ethical and augmented patient care.

“This framework will be enabler for both individuals wanting to assess their individual needs and digital aspirations, and for those providing education to guide an appropriate educational approach and content.”

Professor Adrian Brooke, Medical Director for Workforce Alignment at Health Education England and Honorary Professor at the University of Leicester, said: “Capability to work with AI and Digital Healthcare Technology is a key element of our ongoing reform of education and training, and to ensure we support the future and existing workforce to respond to health and care needs of our patients both now and in the future.

“I am pleased to see this capability framework published, responding to learning needs in a proactive way, and working with key stakeholders to introduce the necessary education and training across the careers of our healthcare workforce.”