Implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand: learnings from the diabetic retinal screening use case

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools in diabetic retinal screening (DRS) are currently in use overseas within public health systems, with growing evidence of effectiveness. A proof of concept aimed at piloting a model of care for AI-integrated DRS to increase access to timely screening for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand was undertaken but faced a range of challenges. What appeared to many as a straightforward AI use case proved not to be so in many ways. Challenges arose from issues related to the digital systems, challenges with adjusting models of care, variable clinician readiness and the appropriateness of the AI tools. These challenges are not unique and need to be overcome to realise the benefits of AI across many use cases. Careful planning, adequate resourcing and organisational buy-in and support are all required for any AI implementation projects to succeed and for the benefits to the population and health system to be realised.