AI position statement

Purpose and Scope

This statement outlines NICPLD's stance on the appropriate and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including generative AI and large language models (LLMs), within its workforce development programmes by pharmacy professionals. It aims to promote AI as a support tool for reflective practice while ensuring that its use does not compromise the authenticity, integrity, or educational value of professional submissions. It will be used in conjunction with guidelines issued by relevant regulatory , academic and professional bodies.

Guiding Principles

• Augmentation, Not Replacement: AI can support and enrich reflective practice it must not be a substitute for personal insight, clinical judgment, critical thinking or thought processes. Human oversight remains essential throughout the learning process.
• Transparency and Disclosure: Any use of AI tools must be explicitly declared. Learners must detail the tool used, its purpose, and the scope of its assistance in the submitted work.
• Ethical and responsible Use: AI use must comply with ethical and professional standards. This includes avoiding plagiarism, ensuring data privacy, and strictly prohibiting the fabrication or exaggeration of professional experiences or competencies.
• Alignment with Best Practices: AI use must adhere to guidelines issued by relevant academic, regulatory and professional bodies

Implementation Guidelines

• Reflective Authenticity: Submissions must reflect the learner's genuine experiences and understanding. AI may be used to support writing or clarify structure but must not be used to invent experiences or falsely claim competencies (fabrication).
• Documentation Standards: When AI tools are used, learners must include a declaration specifying the tool, its function, and its contribution, consistent with NICPLD's standardised AI use declarations.

Review and Oversight

NICPLD will periodically review this position statement in line with developments in AI technologies, academic integrity policies, and evolving regulatory and professional standards to ensure continued relevance and efficacy. If unethical use of AI or fabricated evidence is discovered the matter will be referred to the relevant workforce development team and managed through a concerns process. In some cases this may result in a fitness to practice referral.

By endorsing this position, NICPLD affirms its support for the appropriate, responsible and ethical use of AI.

This approach balances the potential benefits of emerging technologies with the need to maintain high standards of professional integrity and educational accountability.