ORI is pleased to celebrate the recent publication of work by ORI Visiting Fellow Dr Chris Efford, contributing to a multidisciplinary paper outlining guidance for the safe deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare practice.

Published in Physiotherapy, the paper presents a structured framework designed to support Allied Health Professionals in evaluating, implementing, and monitoring AI technologies within clinical services. It emphasises key considerations around ethics, governance, clinical safety, and post-deployment evaluation, critical factors as healthcare systems increasingly integrate digital and AI-enabled tools.

Dr Efford contributed to this work through his Clinical Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence at NHS England. Alongside his research activity, he serves as MSK Therapy Service Lead at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. This publication reflects his ongoing commitment to bridging clinical leadership, service innovation, and digital transformation within musculoskeletal care.

Professor Tom Wainwright, Deputy Head of ORI, commented:

“This is an excellent achievement for Chris and an important contribution to the evolving conversation around digital transformation in healthcare. As AI becomes more embedded in clinical pathways, guidance such as this helps ensure adoption is safe, ethical, and clinically meaningful. We are proud to see ORI contributing to this important area.”

The article can be found here – Unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence: A Guideline for Deployment – Physiotherapy