A new report has been published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) that sheds light on the transformative potential AI could have on Scotland’s public health and healthcare systems.

The GCPH report, The Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Public Health and Healthcare Systems in Scotland, explores AI’s rapidly evolving role in the health sector, and how the emerging tech can be used to shape the future of healthcare in Scotland.

The study considers AI’s capacity to aid clinical practice and decision-making, analyse vast amounts of complex population health data, improve healthcare efficiency, and personalise patient care, all within the context of the Scottish healthcare system.

According to the GCPH report, one notable example of AI tools already being used with patients includes the Northeast of Scotland Breast Screening Programme, which partnered with iCAIRD and Kheiron Medical Technologies to explore the potential for AI to help in detecting cancers.

Likewise, a partnership between tech company Voxsio, NHS Forth Valley and groups of young people from Stirlingshire has seen the development of an AI-powered chatbot called Allichat, designed for young people to discuss mental health issues  

Added to that, Scotland’s health sector has seen AI tools built to predict a person’s risk of dementia from a routine eye test, help asses the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s up to ten years before diagnosis, support clinical decision making in A&E departments, and unlock the secrets of viruses in the hope of finding new cures.

However, despite highlighting the positive effect AI is already having for Scottish patients, the paper underscores the importance of public engagement, awareness, trust and transparency, as well as the need for strict ethical considerations and close evaluation of AI in Scotland’s healthcare settings.

GCPH noted that while there are abundant examples of AI being used across Scotland in healthcare and medical settings, there is a lack of centralised, up-to-date evaluation information that raises concerns about public awareness and understanding.

“The expanding use of technology and specifically AI in Public Health and healthcare systems will potentially be one of the most strategic advancements facing the NHS over the next fifty years,” said Chris Harkins, author of the report and public health programme manager at the GCPH.

“Our report emphasises the importance of public awareness, engagement, effective evaluation and oversight to ensure AI serves as a tool for good – one that enhances, rather than diminishes, the values of the NHS and human-led care.”

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As Scotland’s AI strategy is set for renewal in 2026, the report calls for greater efforts to involve the public in discussions about AI implementation, ensuring it is ethical, patient-centred, and inclusive. 

According to the report, Scotland’s refreshed AI strategy should include a central AI repository, enhanced research capacity, and AI evaluation frameworks to build public trust and ensure effective, safe deployment of AI in healthcare that is ethical, patient-centred, and inclusive at its heart.

“Scotland aims to deliver AI in healthcare that is safe, equitable and trustworthy” said Harkins.

“Investing in AI should not come at the expense of human compassion, clinical judgement or healthcare policy and practice which explicitly seeks to address health inequalities.

“Instead, by fostering public awareness, collaboration, ensuring rigorous oversight and prioritising patient safety, Scotland can build a future where AI enhances rather than diminishes the core values of the NHS.”