Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Health Care Professionals: Continuing Professional Development as an Agent of Transformation Leading to Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Practice.

Journal: The Journal of continuing education in the health professions
Published Date:

Abstract

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming society; yet, the education of health care providers in this field is lagging. In health care, where AI promises to facilitate diagnostic accuracy, and allow for personalized treatment, bridging the knowledge and skill gaps for providers becomes vital. This article explores the challenges of AI education, such as the emergence of self-proclaimed experts during the pandemic, and the need for comprehensive training in AI language, mechanics, and ethics. It advocates for a new breed of health care professionals who are both practitioners and informaticians, who are capable through initial training or through continuing professional development of harnessing AI's potential. Interdisciplinary collaboration, ongoing education, and incentives are proposed to ensure health care benefits from AI's trajectory. This perspective article explores the hurdles and the imperative of creating educational programming designed specifically to help health care professionals augment their practice with AI.

Authors

  • Eleftherios K Soleas
    Dr. Soleas: Director of Lifelong Learning and Innovation, Queen's Health Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Dittmer: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Dr. van Wylick: Vice-Dean, Health Sciences Education, Queen's Health Sciences, and Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Queen's Health Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Waddington: Assistant Dean, Continuing Professional Development, Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's Health Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
  • Douglas Dittmer
  • Ashley Waddington
  • Richard van Wylick