AI in the clinic!

Students from New College Lanarkshire (NCL) have teamed up with their medical counterparts in Romania to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of healthcare.

They have produced research that staff say showed 'exceptional academic rigour', the project run in partnership with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova (UMFCV), brought together computing and medical students in an entirely online, interdisciplinary team which started during NCL's International Week.

The four students, NCL's Lia Barlow and Mark Stewart alongside UMFCV's Stefania Olaru and Andreea Bantoiu, investigated real-world applications of AI in clinical settings, including machine learning systems and decision support tools.

Their work was captured in a jointly authored academic paper and a formal presentation of findings.

The project's full title 'The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Clinical Decision-Making: Opportunities, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations' in it students interrogated not only what AI can do in medicine, but where it falls short, scrutinising issues including algorithmic bias, patient safety, transparency, accountability, and the dangers of over-reliance on automated systems.

Academic Leader Claire McRae, who led the project alongside UMFCV's Mihai Pirlog, said the experience had a visible impact on the students involved.

"This project not only deepened students' understanding of artificial intelligence in medicine, but also strengthened their ability to work effectively in diverse, international teams, developing transferable skills for their future careers," she said.

"The confidence boost in the students was evident as they became the creators of their own learning. They all explained how thankful they were to be part of this project."