Explore
The Explore pathway is for everyone working in health and social care, irrespective of role. This pathway introduces artificial intelligence (AI) and covers what AI is, how it is used and some of the key AI language.
The Explore Pathway
Step 1 - What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
| Question |
| You may be hearing the terms ‘artificial intelligence’ or ‘AI’ used more frequently, often described as the next big thing when it comes to digital. What do you think AI is? |
| Read |
Have a look at this definition of AI as outlined in Scotland’s AI Strategy. |
Step 2 - What is Generative AI?
| Reflection |
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming more common in everyday life and in the workplace. Some people actively use them, while others may feel unsure about what they are or how they work. Take a moment to think about your own experience with generative AI. Have you used tools like ChatGPT, Copilot or other AI chatbots before? If so, what did you use them for? |
| Read |
Watch the short video ‘What is Gen AI?’ as part of the Open University series AI Confidential with Hannah Fry, which introduces what generative AI is, how AI chatbots work, and some important considerations when using these tools. Link: What is Gen AI? For more resources like the above, please refer to the full AI Confidential with Hannah Fry. |
| Questions |
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Step 3 - AI Jargon
| Read |
AI has brought with it a whole new list of technical terms. You don’t need to understand all of these fully, but it may be helpful to find out more about the jargon that you hear more regularly, for example, ‘generative AI’ or ‘deepfake’. Use this helpful jargon buster to check your understanding of any terms you’re not sure about. |
| Question |
| Did any of the definitions surprise you? Do you think you could explain these definitions to colleagues or friends? |
Step 4 - The Scottish Social Services Council approach to AI
| Reflection |
Artificial intelligence is becoming more widely used across health and social care, shaping how services are delivered, how decisions are made, and how staff work day to day. Consider how AI may already be influencing your work, and why its responsible use is important. |
| Question |
Read “The Scottish Social Services Council Approach to AI” from the SSSC DigiSkills site. The resource introduces artificial intelligence and explores how AI may support health and social care services while also highlighting important considerations around professional judgement, safeguarding, bias, information quality and responsible use. |
| Questions |
| Which of the SSSC principles for AI use are you currently applying in your own role and organisation? |
Step 5 - AI Supporting Professional Decision-Making (New)
| Question |
AI is increasingly being used across health and social care to help identify patterns, prioritise information and support decision-making. When used effectively, it can help professionals focus their time where it has the greatest impact. While AI can support and enhance practice, responsibility for decisions remains with people. Understanding both the opportunities and limitations of AI is essential for safe and effective use. |
| Read |
Read how NHS Grampian is using AI to analyse chest X-rays and flag images that may require urgent review. Radiologists continue to assess every X-ray, but AI helps identify potentially concerning cases more quickly, supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment. Link: AI for lung cancer care to help tackle “hidden killer” |
| Reflect |
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| Think About |
AI works best when it complements, rather than replaces, professional expertise. As AI becomes more common in health and social care, how can organisations ensure it is used safely, ethically and in ways that improve outcomes for people? |
Step 6 - AI Quiz
| Quiz |
This short quiz may challenge your perceptions of AI and address some of the common myths associated with it’s use. Link: AI quiz: Can you tell which person is real? - BBC News |
| Questions |
How do you feel about your results? Were there any answers that surprised you? What action do you want to take to increase your understanding of how AI is used and could be used in your workplace? |
What next?
You have now completed the Explore pathway.
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Further Resources
Find further resources on artificial intelligence on the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Feedback
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