The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a set of general principles for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by vets, with recommendations on how to use it ‘safely, effectively and ethically’. The eight principles, which form a part of BVA’s new policy position on AI in the veterinary profession, cover its use in clinical practice, education, research, epidemiology, as well as admin and practice management.
Understand, be confident and stay in control
The eight principles include advice for vets on how to:
- Use AI as a tool to support, not replace, the vet.
- Understand how AI technologies work, and feel confident in using them.
- Actively participate in the design, development and validation of AI tools for animal health and welfare.
- Understand how an AI system was trained and the contexts in which bias may appear.
- Be confident understanding how AI technologies are advancing and adapt to potentially quick changes in the tools available.
- Ensure data privacy and client consent.
- Oversee AI use in clinical practice and be responsible for final decisions.
- Be able to easily access what data was used and explain how an AI tool reached its conclusion.
One in five vets already uses AI in clinical practice
The BVA encourages vets to have a ‘positive, proactive and open-minded’ approach to veterinary AI technology while being aware of its potential ethical risks. Last year’s data from the BVA shows that 1 in 5 vets working in clinical practice (21%) were already using AI tools, with the most commonly reported benefits being data interpretation, improved diagnostic testing and time saving.
image ©Getty images/Unsplash