NECA Advocates for Medical AI Integration in Clinical Practice Guidelines
The National Evidence-based Healthcare Coordinating Agency (NECA) is advancing efforts to embed medical artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical practice guidelines. This initiative aims to promote the practical application of AI technologies in healthcare settings.
NECA recently held a roundtable discussion titled “Current Status and Key Issues of Medical AI Use in Clinical Practice” to exchange real-world experiences, address clinical challenges, and discuss standards for AI use going forward.
Key Presentations Highlight Medical AI Progress
Professor Jung Kyu-hwan from Sungkyunkwan University delivered a keynote speech covering Korea's medical AI development trends, regulatory approval for AI-based medical devices, and the potential and limitations of generative AI in medicine. He stressed the importance of multi-institutional pilot studies for validating these technologies.
- Professor Yoo Seng-chan shared insights on using generative AI for drafting medical records.
- Professor Kim Jong-yeup discussed a clinical demonstration platform for medical AI.
- Professor Lee Hyung-chul presented on the development of a Korean medical large language model (LLM).
- Professor Son Myung-hee reviewed AI applications and challenges in pediatric emergency care.
- Professor Lee Man-kyung spoke about LLM usage for supportive care.
- Professor Ock Min-su introduced a platform for managing discharged patients effectively.
Panel Discussion: Balancing Innovation and Practical Application
The panel, moderated by Park Jae-young, editor-in-chief of The Korean Doctors’ Weekly, included perspectives from both the medical field and AI industry. Park Hyung-joon from Shihwa Medical Center and Lee Sang-hyup from Lunit highlighted the need for flexible government regulations to enable AI technology testing and adoption in clinical environments. They also emphasized the importance of obtaining sufficient data to support AI solutions.
Kim Eun-jung, a researcher at the National Assembly Research Service, pointed out the critical role of policymaking in this area. She advocated for stronger patient data privacy protections and broader use of AI medical data to support telemedicine. Additionally, she stressed the value of national-level training programs for physician scientists.
From a public perspective, Lee Seong-jae of NECA's public participation group noted that many patients still don’t experience clear AI benefits in healthcare. He called for improved communication between medical staff and patients during face-to-face encounters to build trust and understanding.
Looking Ahead: Ethical Considerations and Policy Integration
NECA Director Lee Jae-tae emphasized that while medical AI presents opportunities to enhance public health, ethical and social discussions must accompany its development. NECA plans to continue efforts to translate AI technologies into actionable policies by updating clinical guidelines and collaborating with relevant government agencies.
For healthcare professionals interested in expanding their understanding of AI applications, specialized courses and training resources are available. Exploring certified AI programs can help integrate these technologies safely and effectively into clinical practice. Visit Complete AI Training for relevant courses and certifications.
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