Initial key guiding principles for the use of generative AI in healthcare

Contexte

Generative AI systems can be a lever for improvement to promote quality in the healthcare system.  Some systems are readily accessible online and very easy to use, they need to be used judiciously, for the benefit of individuals and to support professionals.

In this context, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) publishes the Initial key guiding principles for the use of generative AI in healthcare. This educational and informative guide is aimed at health, social and medico-social sector professionals in order to support them in their initial adoption of generative AI and promote its proper use.

This guide is being carried within the scope of the HAS 2025-2030 strategic plan and, more specifically, as part of the key theme of digital technology and AI in healthcare. Its aim is to contribute to the development of a framework of trust for the use of AI in healthcare, the adoption of useful technologies by users, support for relevant uses, and the improvement of professional practices.

Key points

Each use of generative AI must be mindful, supervised and judicious.

The HAS recommends implementing C.A.R.E. guidelines.

C.A.R.E.: Comprehend – Ascertain – Rate – Exchange

• Comprehend : professionals learn how to operate and use the generative AI system
• Ascertain : professionals are attentive to the relevance of use, the quality of prompts, and checking of generated content
• Rate : professionals analyse the quality and suitability to needs of the generative AI system over time
• Exchange : professionals communicate with their ecosystem as part of a continuous improvement process

Proper use of generative AI in healthcare is ensured with professionals in the CARE context

To promote an educational and pragmatic approach, these guidelines are translated into key guiding principles that all professionals can easily implement, systematically illustrated with examples from real-life scenarios.

A summary infographic presents the key guiding principles proposed in an informative way and on a single page.

Outlook

This first guide will be supplemented by other work. In particular, the HAS is developing a document aimed at individuals, users and patients, to promote the proper use of generative AI in healthcare. The HAS is also developing good practice guidelines to support user organisations and professionals in the proper use of AI systems - generative or otherwise - in a care context.