There isn’t an agreed upon definition for what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is. Generally, AI is when machines or software perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes activities like learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language, and making decisions. We all use AI every day, from Spotify's personalised playlists, AI summaries on Google, and even spellchecks like Grammarly.
The Good Things Foundation have created this short video to explain the basics of what AI is and how it is being used every day on AI.
While AI has existed for many years, its capabilities have recently changed. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot,and Dall-E is a newer type of AI which creates (or ‘generates’) something new when asked to do so.
AI has sparked important discussions around ethics; questions about the moral principles we should accept, and what constitutes good or bad practice, are essential for shaping our interactions with this technology. This helps us to make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcomes for those receiving care and support.
The Oxford Project on the responsible use of Generative AI in social care has brought together organisations from across the sector to discuss these issues and have published co-produced guidance on the responsible use of AI in care.
As AI continues to evolve, its influence on adult social care is expected to grow, with new AI solutions likely to emerge that will further enhance outcomes and experiences for care recipients. However, many adult social care providers are still in the early stages of exploring AI and have yet to implement AI solutions within their organisations.