Artificial Intelligence in PPI

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad term used to describe computer systems that can perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. These tasks might include understanding language, recognising patterns, summarising information, or helping people analyse large amounts of data.

AI is not a single technology or machine. Instead, it refers to a range of computer tools and methods that can support people in different types of work.

What does AI mean in practice?

Many AI systems work by learning from large amounts of information and identifying patterns within that information. They can then use those patterns to make predictions, generate text, organise information, or support decision-making.

In practice, AI is often used as a tool to help people work more efficiently. For example, AI may help create a transcript of a meeting, summarise a document, or assist researchers in analysing large datasets.

Examples of AI you may already encounter

Many people use AI in their everyday lives, often without realising it. Examples include:

• Voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa
• Online translation tools
• Email systems that suggest replies or help filter spam
• Navigation apps that predict journey times and suggest routes
• Recommendation systems used by streaming services and online retailers

Like these familiar tools, AI used within the department is designed to support specific tasks.

AI supports people

A key principle of our approach is that people remain responsible for decisions and oversight.

AI can help by processing information, identifying patterns, or generating draft content, but it can also make mistakes. For this reason, outputs produced by AI should be reviewed and checked by appropriately trained staff and researchers.

Responsibility for decisions, research quality, ethics, and data protection always remains with people, not with AI systems.

External links:

NHS AI glossary

NHS England AI resources 

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance on AI and personal data 

AI in Microsoft Teams meetings

For some Microsoft Teams meetings, including PPI activities, we may use AI-powered features to create transcripts, generate meeting summaries, and assist with note-taking. These tools help improve accessibility, reduce administrative burden, and support accurate recording of discussions. You will always be told before a meeting and during the meeting if the meeting is to be recorded for transcription purposes. Department staff remain responsible for reviewing information and deciding what is retained.

Department privacy notice.

AI in research

Researchers may use AI tools in a range of ways, including analysing data, identifying patterns, supporting literature reviews, generating computer code, or developing new research methods. The exact use of AI varies between projects.

Public benefit

We use AI to support research that aims to improve health, healthcare and patient outcomes.

Human oversight

Researchers remain responsible for their work and do not delegate accountability to AI systems.

Privacy and confidentiality

Use of personal data must comply with data protection requirements and information governance standards.

Research ethics

Research involving AI remains subject to appropriate ethical review and governance processes.

Transparency

Where appropriate, we will be open about how AI has been used in research and publications.

Quality and accuracy

Outputs generated by AI are checked and reviewed by researchers.

Fairness and bias

Researchers should consider the possibility of bias in AI systems and take reasonable steps to identify and mitigate it.

Security

Only approved and appropriate AI tools should be used when handling research information.

Continuous review

As AI develops, our approach and governance will continue to evolve.