AI tools in training and recruitment

Guidance on using AI tools in training, reflection and recruitment

The presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our lives cannot be ignored, and it is continuing to improve and integrate more into everything we use. However, like the introduction of the calculator into mathematics, AI should be seen as a tool. Like any tool, its use is subject to the approach of the user. Much like the example of a calculator, it is important that the user retains the ability to interpret, analyse and critically appraise outputs.

The RCoA is committed to promoting open, responsible and ethical use of AI.

General principle

The overarching principle when using AI is to determine "How much of this is my own work?"

Our guidance echoes guidance from other institutions (see related links below) regarding reflection, training and recruitment. We welcome ethical and responsible use of AI tools to assist and support. There is value in the intrinsic process of learning, understanding, processing; and we should not lose sight of this. However, AI enables and supports efficiencies in finding, locating and interpreting information.

Users should also consider the governance policies of their own institutions when employing AI for confidentiality and data protection considerations.

Using AI in reflection

Following the general principle on how much work is original work, you should:

Avoid using AI to fabricate an event on which you reflect
Avoid using AI to completely craft a reflection on an actual event
Never include anything that is patient identifiable

Effective and useful reflection to enhance professional acumen relies on a genuine experience and a genuine reflective reaction to that event. We recommend:

Using AI to adjust phraseology and prompt useful suggestions on which to reflect but the activity of engaged reflection must come from the learner
Declaring any AI use in your reflective log itself (eg, “AI prompts were used to focus my reflection”) to support your development

We support innovative approaches to AI in training though this should be in an open, honest and ethical way, with good practice shared widely.

Supervisor guidance

We encourage supervisors to accept AI has a purpose and to extol the positive aspects of genuine, authentic reflective practice with or without AI use.

Using AI in recruitment

We strongly advise:

Only using AI as preparation for interviews in the recruitment process
Never using AI prompts in an interview – this constitutes a breach of rules and is a probity issue
That all answers given to interview questions are genuinely delivered by candidates from their own capacity, and not simply read from generated prompts

Imagine the parallel of asking advice from someone before an interview to enhance preparation but you wouldn’t have that person with you in the interview.

Summary

Consider: “How much of this is my own work?” Use AI as if it were someone helping you rather than doing the work for you
Don’t miss out on the development opportunity to engage in genuine reflection, for your benefit and the ultimate benefit of the patient
Remember principles of openness, responsible and ethical use of AI