A new code of conduct for the use of artificial intelligence and other data-driven technologies by the NHS has been formed.

The ethics code will encourage technology companies to ensure the protection of patient data, and has been drawn up with the help of industry, academics and patient groups.

Developing technologies that tackle some of the biggest issues in healthcare, such as dementia, obesity and cancer, is a key focus of the new code of conduct, the UK Government said.

The code is made up of 10 principles, which set out how the Government will make it easier for companies to work alongside the NHS to develop new technologies – as well as what the NHS expects in return.

It will be regularly updated through fostering close ties between industry and stakeholders to ensure it keeps pace with industry developments.

The code will:

• Promote the UK as the best place in the world to invest in HealthTech
• Provide evidence of what good practice looks like to industry and commissioners
• Reassure patients and clinicians that data-driven technology is safe, effective and maintains privacy
• Allow the Government to work with suppliers to guide the development of new technology so products are suitable for the NHS in the future
• Ensure the NHS receives a fair deal from the commercialisation of its data resources

Dr Simon Eccles, chief clinical information officer for Health and Care, said: “Parts of the NHS have already shown the potential impact AI could have in the future of the NHS in reading scans, for example, to enable clinicians to focus on the most difficult cases.

“This new code sets the bar companies will need to meet to bring their products into the NHS so we can ensure patients can benefit from not just the best new technology, but also the safest and most secure.”

Related: Artificial Intelligence Ethics Crucial, Says House of Lords

Artificial intelligence is already being used across the NHS to improve the early diagnosis of heart disease and lung cancer, as well as helping to improve personalised care.

In November 2018, a £15.8 million AI health research centre, known as the Industrial Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research in Digital Diagnostics (iCAIRD) was announced in Scotland.

The Glasgow-based centre will examine how AI could improve patient diagnosis and treatment. It is hoped that through using technology to process large amounts of data, the health service will improve operational efficiency.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “Artificial intelligence has the potential to save lives, but also brings challenges that must be addressed.

“AI must be used responsibly and our code of conduct sets a gold-standard set of rule to ensure patient data is always protected and the systems we use are some of the safest in the world.”