Overcoming barriers to diagnostic AI implementation in the NHS
Overcoming barriers to diagnostic AI implementation
AI has the potential to transform diagnostic services, but uncertainty around clinical responsibility and liability remains a significant barrier to its widespread adoption across the NHS.
Following a roundtable with health system leaders in June 2026, we’ve published recommendations calling for greater clarity around how diagnostic AI is implemented, overseen and used safely in clinical practice.
Our key recommendations include:
Clearer oversight across specialties: As AI tools increasingly cross traditional departmental boundaries, NHS trusts and health boards should establish multispecialty approaches to implementation and oversight to support their safe use.
Clarity on responsibility and liability: Government should work with medical royal colleges to address uncertainty around responsibility and liability when AI is used in clinical practice.
The report also makes recommendations on evaluating the wider benefits of AI and investing in the infrastructure, training and resources needed to support its effective implementation.