HIQA was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop national guidance to promote and drive the responsible and safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health and social care services in Ireland. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and an increasing amount of legislation, frameworks, position papers, and articles are being produced internationally to guide the use of AI. HIQA has undertaken an evidence review to inform to the development of this national guidance. The aim of this evidence review was to collate and synthesise recent literature relating to principles, concepts, or guidance on the responsible and safe use of AI in health or social care settings published from 2019 to 2025.

Key areas identified included: 

• Transparency;
• Inclusivity and non-discrimination;
• Human agency and oversight;
• Education, training and information provision;
• Data quality
• Technical robustness and security

The key themes that emerged from the evidence reviewed are discussed under the four interlinked principles of accountability, a human rights-based approach; safety and wellbeing; and responsiveness which underpin person-centred care and support. 

The review, which forms one part of an evidence-based and collaborative process, has provided a valuable, evidence-based foundation for developing national guidance for the responsible and safe use of AI in health and social care services in Ireland.