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Creating a 'learning' health system - Citizens' Jury on Artificial Intelligence

Year Awarded

2023

Amount

€59,976

  • Organisation:Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science & Industry Limited
  • Audience:General Public
  • Format:Non-formal Education
  • Location:Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Online

Project Summary

Our health system faces enormous challenges. Simultaneously the patient experience of care is evolving. We need to work smarter to create a health system that continues to evolve, ‘learning’ from its’ successes and failures, from the data it collects, and the experiences of the people involved.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a helping hand. AI can potentially improve processes and workflow across our health system, possibly making diagnosis more accurate, care more efficient, more equitable, and more personalised. However, is this an offer we want to accept? There are a lot of unknowns with AI – are AI algorithms executable at the frontlines of clinical practice? Are we as citizens happy for AI to manage our waiting lists? Can AI deliver utility in this tightly regulated sector?

To advance we will need to explore the public appetite for the use of AI in health care. It is likely that attitudes will vary considerably depending on personal circumstances, particularly how comfortable individuals are with technology, how complex their needs are, and how literate they are in relation to their health. We must capture this range of perspectives to identify where consensus may lie and where early opportunities to use AI may be adopted.

This project will employ an innovative model of public engagement – citizen juries – to explore the ‘tricky’ topic of AI-based health data processing, with a view to promoting public conversations and dialogue to influence policy for this key societal challenge.

Evaluation Findings

Challenges:
Challenge 1: Underestimated project costs
Cause: Higher-than-expected expenses for 3D printers and catering
Solution: Budget reallocation and reduced discretionary spending to cover essential costs

Challenge 2: Venue change for celebration event
Cause: IMR unable to host due to updated health and safety policies
Solution: Hired hotel venue; recruited extra volunteers to manage logistics and pupil movement

Challenge 3: High translation costs
Cause: Irish language resource translation quotes exceeded budget
Solution: Translation postponed; remains a goal for future phases with additional funding

Findings:
1. The programme significantly boosted teacher confidence in using 3D printing and shifted perceptions of manufacturing careers.
2. Teachers valued the hands-on, curriculum-aligned approach and noted unexpected skill development in pupils, such as teamwork and presentation.
3. Pupil engagement was high, with 96% enjoying the experience and 30% reporting career influence-especially toward STEM.
4. Gender balance was strong (47% girls), contrasting positively with national STEM trends.
5. Teachers observed gains in digital skills, sustainability awareness, and resilience during design challenges.
6. The evaluation confirmed the programme’s success in enhancing STEM learning and career awareness through practical, inclusive methods.
7. Recommendations include improving evaluation tools and continuing efforts to address gender disparities in STEM pathways.

Learnings:
1. Hands-on 3D printing training significantly boosts teacher confidence and shifts perceptions of manufacturing careers.
2. Pupils respond positively to practical STEAM experiences, with strong enjoyment and career interest-especially in STEM.
3. Balanced gender participation shows promise for addressing STEM disparities, but continued focus is needed.
4. The programme builds both technical and soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
5. Curriculum alignment and minimal support needs make the model scalable and sustainable for future delivery.