AI in Care – Benefits and Safeguards

Artificial intelligence represents a technological moment, comparable to the rise of smartphones and the internet. For care providers, it can streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks, unlock valuable insights from vast amounts of data, enhance decision-making through predictive analytics, and improve staff efficiency.

Care businesses sometimes face fragmented systems and data and outdated tech stacks, which forces providers to juggle several different platforms, making interoperability and visibility a hurdle. Meanwhile, data volumes are growing exponentially, creating both an opportunity and a risk.

AI can help overcome these challenges, but only if implemented correctly.

What Are the Risks?

AI is already being used in care settings, sometimes informally and without proper safeguards, which introduces significant risks in the sense that care data could be exposed, leading to privacy breaches. Shadow IT is another concern, as staff may use consumer AI tools on personal devices without oversight. Additionally, misuse of AI can create compliance gaps, potentially violating GDPR and other regulations. To address these challenges, organisations must implement a clear AI policy, establish secure environments, and enforce robust permission controls.

Three Essentials for Safe AI Adoption

During the webinar, James Maynard emphasised three important steps for responsible AI implementation.

• The first one was to create an AI policy that defines which tools can be used, how they should be applied, and by whom, ensuring consistency and reducing risk.
• Second, use enterprise-grade AI solutions rather than free or public versions like ChatGPT or Copilot as they offer stronger security and data protection.
• And finally, ensure your chosen tools comply with ISO 42001 standards, which support ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, and provide confidence in your provider’s approach.

AI can deliver quick wins when used thoughtfully. For example, staff can use natural language to query policies and procedures, getting quick answers without searching through lengthy documents. It can also assist with email and document drafting by generating first drafts, which saves time. Beyond administrative tasks, AI can assist with workforce planning, or analysing data to identify trends such as missed visits or compliance risks across multiple systems and even automate regular reporting by creating dashboards and scheduled updates.

The key is collaboration - AI should act as an assistant, not a replacement, as James Maynard aptly put it: “AI won’t replace people, but people using AI will replace those who don’t.”

In order to get the most out of AI it’s important to follow best practices that ensure accuracy, security, and efficiency.

• Always keep humans in the loop by reviewing and validating AI outputs rather than relying on it entirely.
• Set some time aside to learn more about mastering prompt engineering, as clear and detailed prompts lead to better results.
• Confidentiality is equally critical, so make sure searches for sensitive policies remain private and secure.
• Align AI permissions with existing user rights so that individuals only access the information they are authorised to see. These steps help organisations leverage AI responsibly while maintaining trust and compliance.

AI within the care sector continues to evolve, and its goal isn’t just efficiency, but better outcomes for service users and staff members. By connecting care systems, surfacing insights, and embedding AI securely, providers can improve operations without compromising trust.

When it comes to correctly implementing AI, start with a policy, choose secure tools, and prioritise compliance. Done right, AI can help care organisations thrive in a data-driven future.

Learn more about the tools and guidance The Access Group offers to help care providers adopt AI safely and effectively. Reach out to explore how our AI-enabled care software can support your business.