­­AI in healthcare: What skills will we need?

This article is the first in a new ARISA series exploring how Artificial Intelligence is shaping different sectors. As AI tools become more common across the economy, healthcare is one of the key areas where change is already happening – and where new skills will be needed to make the most of it. 

A recent working paper from the OECD, Artificial Intelligence and the health workforce (November, 2024), brings together views from 18 medical associations around the world. These associations highlight how AI is being introduced in healthcare and what this means for professionals working in the field. 

Challenges in the healthcare sector 

The healthcare sector is facing increasing pressure from many directions: rising patient demand, high costs, and staff shortages. Factors such as ageing populations, the growing burden of chronic diseases, and burnout among healthcare providers—worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic—are all adding to the strain. At the same time, patients are expecting more from healthcare services. 

The potential of AI in healthcare

AI tools are seen as one possible way to ease this pressure. According to the OECD paper, AI can help improve how hospitals and clinics are run, freeing up time for healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. It can also play a big role in medical research and the development of new treatments. 

Possible risks

However, the paper also outlines several risks that could hinder AI’s effectiveness such as weak digital infrastructure, inadequate data governance, and limited resources. In addition, concerns were raised about biased algorithms affecting care quality, increased insurance costs, and workforce disruption. Therefore, achieving a balance between innovation and appropriate safeguards is essential.

Ethical issues and legal questions are also important. Most associations surveyed (94%) expressed concerns about ethics, but 72% of them believe that the benefits of AI in healthcare outweigh its risk. These findings show that building trust and having clear rules are essential for wider adoption. 

A clear message on skills

AI is not expected to replace doctors. In fact, vast majority of the surveyed associations said that doctors will remain central to care, and none believed that AI will take over their roles. But new skills will be needed. AI is likely to shift some tasks and create new jobs rather than remove existing ones. 

Healthcare professionals may work alongside new roles like data analysts, model developers, and telemedicine specialists – people who support the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare. This shows a growing need for digital and data-related skills in the sector.

Insights from Belgium

A 2022 Belgian survey-based report conducted among healthcare professionals reinforces these findings. Only 13% of respondents reported that their hospital had in-house AI expertise (e.g., machine learning, deep learning), while 34% had data management capabilities. This points to the urgent need to build skilled teams across hospitals, despite regional and institutional disparities.

Boosting AI skills across sectors

While the healthcare sector is one example of how AI is transforming the world of work, the need for digital and AI-related skills extends far beyond it. The ARISA project equips organisations and individuals across different sectors with the skills needed to adopt AI in a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable way—supporting Europe’s wider transition to an AI-ready workforce. 

Sources:

Almyranti, M. et al. (2024), “Artificial Intelligence and the health workforce: Perspectives from medical associations on AI in health”, OECD Artificial Intelligence Papers, No. 28, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9a31d8af-en.

Vandenbroucke, F. et al. (2022), Barometer- L’adoption de l’Intelligence Artificielle dans les hôpitaux en Belgique, FR_BarometreIA_Belgique.pdf.