The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has released a pivotal report addressing the integration of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the National Health Service (NHS). The document underscores the urgent need for government action to enhance the NHS’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that digital solutions effectively tackle real-world clinical challenges while safeguarding patient safety through comprehensive regulation.
Entitled “RCP View on Digital and AI,” the report outlines the essential steps for a successful transition from analogue to digital systems within the NHS. It examines the implications of digital and AI technologies on workforce dynamics, patient safety, health disparities, and the education and training of healthcare professionals. A survey conducted in June 2025 revealed that 70% of UK physicians support the widespread implementation of AI tools within the NHS, although 68% believe the current digital infrastructure is inadequate for such advancements.
As the NHS grapples with mounting pressures from rising demand and workforce shortages, the report highlights the potential of digital systems and AI to enhance clinician support and improve patient outcomes. However, it warns that the possible benefits of these technologies will only be realized if they are deployed thoughtfully and inclusively, prioritizing patient safety alongside clinical expertise.
The report articulates a clear message: AI must augment, not replace, the professional judgment of healthcare providers. It cautions against the “optimism bias” that can arise around AI’s potential to alleviate workforce strains, ensuring a balanced perspective on the role of technology in healthcare.
Among its ten recommendations, the RCP urges the government to invest in modernizing outdated IT systems and for the NHS to establish a standardized content model for electronic patient records (EPR). This standardization would ensure that EPR providers meet the specific needs of the NHS. Furthermore, the report advocates for the creation of a centralized repository of NHS-approved algorithms, AI tools, and patient-facing applications that adhere to national standards.
Engagement with both clinicians and patients is also emphasized, with the report suggesting that their insights be sought from the outset to develop digital and AI solutions that address genuine clinical issues while enhancing workflow and patient-centered care. The report calls for the government’s ‘Roadmap for AI in the NHS’ to outline a coherent and ethical strategy for AI’s application, encompassing its use in clinical research, addressing health inequalities, and promoting interoperability through collaborative design and deployment with healthcare professionals.
Additionally, the report stresses the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the ethical and safe application of AI in healthcare settings. It urges the government to collaborate with medical royal colleges to reform medical curricula, integrating competencies related to digital health and AI for healthcare practitioners at all career stages.
Concerns are raised regarding the NHS’s pace in equipping clinicians with effective, safe AI tools. The report calls for clear guidelines to delineate which AI tools are deemed safe for healthcare use, as well as support for clinicians to differentiate between NHS and non-NHS AI applications.
Led by Dr. Anne Kinderlerer, the RCP’s digital health clinical lead, the report draws on an all-member survey conducted in June 2025, insights from digital health experts, and contributions from various stakeholders, including physicians, patient representatives, and the clinical vice president. The RCP Council approved the report prior to its publication, reflecting a consensus on the urgency of addressing the digital transformation within the NHS.
As digital technologies and AI continue to evolve, the report serves as a critical roadmap for the NHS, emphasizing the need for strategic investment and thoughtful integration. The future of healthcare may well hinge on how effectively these technologies are harnessed to improve patient care while ensuring safety and equity in health services.
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