France’s Ministry of Health is formalizing a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, building on collaborative work initiated in February and informed by the World Summit on AI held in Paris. The strategy, backed by a ministerial health data roadmap, aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing use of AI in care.

France Assos santé, a leading patient advocacy group, actively contributed to the development of the strategy during a public consultation launched in July 2024 by the Ministry of Health and Access to Care. thier input builds upon proposals outlined in their manifesto, AI at the bedside of patients: for responsible, ethical and focused uses on humans.

Centering the Patient Viewpoint

France Assos santé’s contribution emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the patient experience in the implementation of health AI. As Gérard Raymond, president of France Assos Health, stated, “it is indeed not a question whether we want or not the AI, but how it can be useful for patients and public health through all its potential applications.” The organization compiled nearly 13 testimonies and perspectives from its member associations, focusing on real-world use cases.

Key Areas for AI Integration

The collective contribution from France Assos Santé’s members is structured around four core issues, initially identified by the French Federation of Diabetics:

• Rethinking Access and Use of the Health System: Contributions from UFC-Que Choisir, the FNAR (National Federation of Addiction Support Associations), the link, and APF France Handicap.
• Rethinking Care Offered to Patients: Perspectives from UAFLMV (Union of Associations of People with Laryngeal and Voice Disorders), the mutilated voice, AFPRIC (Association of Patients with Rare Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases), and APODEC (Association for the development of Care at Home).
• Rethinking Prevention and Support Pathways: Input from France Alzheimer, SOS hepatitis, and the Alliance for Rare Diseases.
• Generative AI and Health User Issues: Insights from Healthy Rights Health and a representative of users in mental health facilities.

Each issue is accompanied by specific, actionable proposals intended for integration into the final ministerial strategy.

Looking Ahead

The French government’s commitment to a formalized AI strategy, coupled with the active engagement of patient advocacy groups like France Assos Santé, signals a proactive approach to integrating AI into healthcare. This strategy aims to harness the potential of AI while ensuring responsible, ethical, and patient-centered implementation. Further details on the finalized strategy and its implementation timeline are expected to be released by the Ministry of Health in the coming months.