Norwegian physicians call for clinician-led evaluation of healthcare AI

Digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and health data featured prominently in discussions at Arendalsuka, where Norwegian Medical Association representatives emphasised clinicians’ perspectives. In a debate on AI and the doctor–patient relationship, Torgeir Hoff Skavøy, chair of the Norwegian College of General Practice, described how general practitioners’ roles are changing as more patients bring information and diagnoses generated by AI tools.

Skavøy urged caution and professional judgement when introducing new technology. In a separate discussion about increasing CT and MRI use, he highlighted cooperation among general practitioners, radiologists and hospitals to support appropriate imaging. Ivar Halvorsen, chair of the association’s IT committee, said digitalisation projects should involve clinicians extensively and address concrete service needs.

Committee member Tobias Iveland cautioned that AI should not itself be regarded as a mark of quality, calling for testing, competence building and risk assessment before clinical deployment. Association president Anne-Karin Rime argued that digital initiatives should be assessed like other healthcare interventions: by effectiveness, costs and patient benefit. The report presents professional and policy perspectives, not study findings, and provides no quantitative evidence on clinical outcomes.