Course overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, models, and tools are increasing available to support health and care professionals to assess, diagnose and treat disease, and deliver public health, and to enable patients to manage long-term physical and mental health conditions while supporting public health. Many AI-based technologies (e.g., predictive tools, chatbots/virtual assistants, robotics, advanced decision support, generative AI, agentic AI) are also being developed and used in health research and health education to ensure better scientific evidence and pedagogical outcomes. This module will provide a critical understanding of the benefits, limitations, and risks of AI across the spectrum of health and care including clinical practice, education, and research. This module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, models, and tools for a range of health and care settings (i.e. acute care, primary care, public health) and areas professional practice. The origins of and rationale for AI in health and care will be critically discussed and reflected upon and the technical foundations of AI-based models and tools along with their applications in clinical practice, health research, health education and health policy will be explored. This will include how AI can support health and care professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat disease and deliver public health, and how AI can enable patients to manage their physical, mental, and social health. The benefits, limitations, and risks of AI in health and care will also be critically examined to ensure AI-based technologies are effective, safe, inclusive and equitable for professions, patients, researchers and educators use.