AI in Healthcare: What Can It Do, and Should We Trust It?
10:00 - 13:00 | 12 November 2026 | Room QB147, Southlands Campus, Roehampton University, Roehampton Lane, London, SW15 5SL
An informal and accessible research café exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in healthcare, what the evidence tells us so far, and the important questions we still need to ask.
About the workshop
AI is increasingly being used to provide information, guidance and support across healthcare. In this interactive session, we will look beyond the headlines to explore what AI actually is (and is not), where it may be useful, and where its limitations matter. We will use real-world and research examples, with a particular focus on conversational AI for mental health and emotional support, alongside wider applications such as physical health support, voice agents, digital inclusion, and helping people navigate health services.
The session will also consider what we currently know – and do not yet know – from healthcare research. Together, we will discuss potential benefits and risks, including privacy, safety, ethics, and bias in both human and AI decision-making. This is a research café rather than a formal lecture, so there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and discuss what responsible use of AI in health and care could look like.
What you will learn
- What AI is, what it is not, and how conversational and generative AI can be used in healthcare
- Examples of how AI is being researched and used for mental health, emotional support, physical health, and digital inclusion
- What current research can – and cannot – tell us about the usefulness, effectiveness, and limitations of AI in healthcare
- Key ethical and practical issues, including privacy, safety, human and AI bias, and responsible use
What to expect
- An informal, facilitated conversation with opportunities to ask questions throughout
- Accessible real-world and research examples of AI in healthcare
- Discussion of the opportunities, limitations, ethical questions, and uncertainties around AI
- Time to share your own experiences and questions, plus pointers to useful resources for learning more
Who should attend
Healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, community partners, patients and members of the public, and anyone curious about AI in healthcare. No previous knowledge of AI is needed.
Facilitators
Dr Laura Vowels, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Programme Lead of MSc Digital Health, University of Roehampton
Laura Vowels is a researcher and practitioner whose work focuses on how artificial intelligence and conversational technologies can be developed and evaluated responsibly for mental health, emotional and relationship support, and wider digital health applications. Her research examines both the opportunities offered by AI-based support and the questions it raises around effectiveness, safety, ethics, bias, and trust. Laura will be joined and supported by her PhD students, who are conducting research across different applications of AI in healthcare.
Key takeaways
By the end of the session, you will leave with:
- A clearer understanding of what AI can and cannot currently do in healthcare
- Examples of where conversational AI and voice-based technologies may support people, services, and research
- A balanced understanding of the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and unanswered questions surrounding AI in healthcare
- Practical questions to consider when deciding whether and how AI should be used responsibly in healthcare or research
About South West London Research Support Network
The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.
Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to translate insights into various research methodologies and best practices.
In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships, that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.
Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.
