| Unit name | Application of AI in Clinical Settings |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0097 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jon Lees |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
none |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences |
Why is this unit important
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to significantly transform patient care over the next decade.
If implemented effectively, we could see the emergence of an AI-enhanced healthcare system. However, this transformation can only be possible if healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills to use and critically evaluate clinical AI. This unit aims to bridge this gap by providing training in the use and assessment of clinical AI tools. You will learn how to apply AI more effectively in a clinical setting and develop a more nuanced understanding of how these technologies can support, enhance, or, in some cases, hinder patient care. This will include interactive sessions with experts involved with the development or deployment of clinical AI.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Earlier content in the programme focuses on foundational theory, exploring the importance of datasets, methods, their underlying principles and how these can be used to generate successful AI tools. This unit builds on those foundations, shifting the emphasis towards clinically focused applications of AI for patient care and the role of clinicians interfacing with these technologies. The unit offers essential training that bridges theoretical knowledge of AI with its real-world clinical use.
An overview of content
In this unit, you will work with a range of AI tools and applications under the guidance of experts in clinical AI. You will examine how these technologies work within healthcare systems and evaluate how AI can support or hinder patient care. In addition to clinical tools that directly affect patients, such as diagnostic AI, you will explore lower-risk but impactful uses of AI in supportive roles. The content will look at AI’s emerging role in many aspects of healthcare both in terms of speciality and in the wider healthcare system (e.g. preventative primary)
You will use case-based learning to explore realistic clinical situations including cases where AI tools may conflict with clinicians. Emphasis will be placed on the patient–practitioner relationship and how these are influenced by the use of AI.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will develop your critical evaluation skills and ability to evaluate AI’s role in healthcare through authentic clinical scenarios and hands-on experience with AI tools. You will develop a greater understanding of AI in healthcare and your own framework to evaluate clinical tools which you will be able to disseminate to patient and colleagues.
You will gain the confidence to apply and assess AI tools in clinical practice and to guide patients in navigating the benefits and limitations of AI in medicine.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, lectorials, practical activities and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Practical and case-based learning tasks will help prepare you for the summative assessments: tutors and facilitators will provide support to help you complete these and provide feedback.
You will be asked to keep a reflective logbook with annotated case summaries throughout the unit which will be helpful to refer back to.
Summative assessment
Case Report (50%): A critical analysis of the use of an AI tool in a specific clinical scenario. This will include a description and evaluation of the given tool considering key stakeholders in a healthcare setting. This will also consist of a high-level summary for management and a lay summary for patients. (ILOs 1, 2, 3)
Simulated patient encounter (50%): A discussion with a simulated patient or colleague around a specific clinical AI tool, followed by questions from an examiner. (ILOs 1, 2, 4)
Re-assessment
If you do not pass the unit, you will normally be given the opportunity to take a reassessment as per the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes. Decisions on the award of reassessment will normally be taken after all taught units of the year have been completed. Reassessment will normally be in a similar format to the original assessment that has been failed.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BRMSM0097).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
