Public Health, Private Algorithms: AI Use and Governance in Ireland’s Public Health workforce
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges for public health practice, from enhancing disease surveillance to questions about accountability and algorithmic bias. Little is known about the nature and extent of its use within Ireland’s Health Service Executive Public Health (HSE PH) workforce, or the views of its leaders on AI’s role in future service delivery. A mixed-methods study was conducted comprising an online workforce survey and key informant interviews (KIIs). The survey was circulated to an estimated 490 HSE PH staff in September 2025. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior HSE PH and eHealth leaders, exploring opportunities, risks and policy direction. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview data used a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic approach. The survey received 188 complete responses (estimated response rate 38%). Two-thirds (66.8%) reported using AI in their public health role, with over one-fifth using it daily. Over 85% expressed concerns regarding data privacy, unclear protocols, lack of training and algorithmic bias; 92.5% agreed that clear guidelines are needed. KII participants identified potential applications in population health analytics, surveillance, evidence synthesis and public communication. Concerns mirrored survey findings, with additional emphasis on cognitive offloading, bias and public trust. All participants highlighted inadequate organisational guidance and called for governance frameworks, workforce training and improved data infrastructure. This study shows that AI tools are widely embedded in HSE PH professional practice. Transitioning from informal tolerance to explicit policy, embedding AI literacy as a core competency, and developing PH -specific governance standards are needed to ensure AI augments rather than substitutes professional judgement, while safeguarding equity, transparency and public trust.
Key messages: • The majority of Ireland’s public health workforce is using AI in their professional role and support enhanced guidelines for its use.
• AI must augment, not replace, professional judgement; equity, transparency accountability, and public trust must guide its integration.
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BibTeX
@article{kearney2026public,
title = {{Public Health, Private Algorithms: AI Use and Governance in Ireland’s Public Health workforce}},
author = {ET Kearney and G Martin and L Hendrick},
journal = {The European Journal of Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.273},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.273},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Public Health, Private Algorithms: AI Use and Governance in Ireland’s Public Health workforce
AU - ET Kearney
AU - G Martin
AU - L Hendrick
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - The European Journal of Public Health
DO - 10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.273
UR - https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag169.273
AB - The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges for public health practice, from enhancing disease surveillance to questions about accountability and algorithmic bias. Little is known about the nature and extent of its use within Ireland’s Health Service Executive Public Health (HSE PH) workforce, or the views of its leaders on AI’s role in future service delivery. A mixed-methods study was conducted comprising an online workforce survey and key informant interviews (KIIs). The survey was circulated to an estimated 490 HSE PH staff in September 2025. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior HSE PH and eHealth leaders, exploring opportunities, risks and policy direction. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview data used a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic approach. The survey received 188 complete responses (estimated response rate 38%). Two-thirds (66.8%) reported using AI in their public health role, with over one-fifth using it daily. Over 85% expressed concerns regarding data privacy, unclear protocols, lack of training and algorithmic bias; 92.5% agreed that clear guidelines are needed. KII participants identified potential applications in population health analytics, surveillance, evidence synthesis and public communication. Concerns mirrored survey findings, with additional emphasis on cognitive offloading, bias and public trust. All participants highlighted inadequate organisational guidance and called for governance frameworks, workforce training and improved data infrastructure. This study shows that AI tools are widely embedded in HSE PH professional practice. Transitioning from informal tolerance to explicit policy, embedding AI literacy as a core competency, and developing PH -specific governance standards are needed to ensure AI augments rather than substitutes professional judgement, while safeguarding equity, transparency and public trust. Key messages: • The majority of Ireland’s public health workforce is using AI in their professional role and support enhanced guidelines for its use. • AI must augment, not replace, professional judgement; equity, transparency accountability, and public trust must guide its integration.
SN - 1101-1262
SN - 1464-360X
ER -