Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 29
Guidelines, protocols and audit
2.42. Occupational health professionals should be aware of guidelines published by
reputable bodies. Within their own practice OH professionals should develop
protocols based on the best available evidence, to ensure that an up-to-date
service is delivered in a consistent way. They should undertake clinical audit
against those protocols to assess whether their practice conforms to the
defined standard and, if there are weaknesses, take the necessary action to
remedy them. Audit should be geared to the maintenance and improvement of
clinical standards and should be kept separate from any individual employee
performance management system so that there is clarity of purpose for both
activities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2.43. Artificial Intelligence has a role to play in occupational health. It refers to the
ability of computer systems to perform tasks such as learning, problem-solving,
and decision-making. It can be used for diagnosis in healthcare practice and in
the workplace and can improve safety by using predictive analytics
that identify the risk of accidents and the occurrence of occupational diseases.
2.44. Many Occupational Health Services (both in house and commercial providers)
are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an integral part of these services.
While AI offers potential efficiencies and insights, it also introduces significant
ethical and professional responsibilities. Governance therefore needs to ensure
that there is safe, ethical and effective use of AI.
2.45. AI is a powerful and useful tool in data management. Organisations choosing
to use this technology should ensure that any errors are checked and
proofed or there is human oversight. The provider should also ensure any use
of AI does not compromise consent and confidentiality. Tools commonly used
include transcription software, minute takers and analysis of data.
2.46. AI-generated outputs are subject to error, bias, and misinterpretation. AI must
not be treated as infallible, and its outputs should never be accepted
uncritically. It remains the professional duty of the occupational health
professional to:
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