Perspective: advancing public health education by embedding AI literacy

Area of Science:

• Public Health Informatics
• Health Education
• Artificial Intelligence Applications

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly vital in public health practice.
• Formal AI literacy training is notably absent in most public health curricula.
• Emerging AI technologies like large language models necessitate enhanced workforce skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing role of AI in public health.
• To identify challenges and gaps in current AI literacy training globally.
• To propose a framework for integrating AI competencies into public health education.

Main Methods:

• Review of AI applications in public health (e.g., epidemiology, policy, communication).
• Analysis of existing gaps in AI literacy training for public health professionals.
• Development of a proposed framework for curriculum integration.

Main Results:

• AI tools are being applied across diverse public health functions.
• Significant knowledge gaps exist in structured, competency-based AI training.
• A framework for integrating AI competencies into various levels of public health education is proposed.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for structured AI training in public health.
• Equipping the public health workforce with AI skills is crucial for improving health outcomes.
• The proposed framework aims to enhance ethical, technical, and critical-thinking abilities for AI utilization in diverse communities.