This session will explore the lifecycle of AI tools in mental health, from their creation to safe implementation and regulation.
Judith Harrison and Grace Gatera will explore the development of early-stage AI assessment tools, with an emphasis on the importance of co-production with people who have lived experience. Grace will share insights from her international work advising on the regulation and co-production of digital mental health tools, ensuring that these technologies are designed to meet the needs of both clinicians and patients.
James Woollard will discuss current AI tools in mental health, with a focus on clinical safety and implementation. He will also provide a futurologist’s perspective on AI in psychiatry, addressing ethical and practical challenges that clinicians may face, including the "fulcrum of consent" and emerging trends in AI applications.
Holly Coole and Gareth Hopkin will deliver a joint talk on the regulation and evaluation of digital mental health tools in the context of a Wellcome funded project. They will discuss how these tools are assessed and evaluated within the UK’s regulatory system, providing essential guidance for clinicians and emphasise the role of safety monitoring including the use of the Yellow Card scheme.
The session will be chaired by Faith Ndebele who will guide discussions on the practical and ethical considerations for AI tools in mental health.
Learning objectives
In this session you will explore:
- The role of AI in mental health – you will gain an understanding of how AI tools are applied in mental health, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and how these tools can enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes
- Developing digital mental health tools with co-production - you will learn how co-production with individuals with lived experience is essential to developing effective and ethical digital mental health tools, ensuring that they meet the needs of both patients and clinicians
- The regulation, evaluation and safety of AI tools - you will explore how AI tools in mental health are regulated for safety and efficacy, including practical insights into the assessment and monitoring frameworks used in clinical practice
- Insights into addressing clinical concerns - The session will provide attendees with practical steps for addressing clinical concerns regarding AI tools, including reporting mechanisms and mitigating risks to ensure safe use in practice.
Speakers
Chair: Dr Faith Ndebele, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Ms Grace Gatera, Partners in Health Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda, The Wellcome Trust, London and Dr Judith Harrison, Newcastle University, Newcastle
Dr James Woollard, NHS England, London, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London
Ms Holly Coole, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), London and Ms Francesca Edelmann, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), London
Availability
This webinar is part of the Congress webinar 2025 package. If you attended all four days of Congress, you will have access to these as part of your Congress package. Otherwise the Congress webinar 2025 package can be purchased below.
