Kahraman, F., et al. (2024).
Frontiers in Public Health, 12.
Abstract
Background/aim: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the capability of computational systems to perform tasks that require human-like cognitive functions, such as reasoning, learning, and decision-making. Unlike human intelligence, AI does not involve sentience or consciousness but focuses on data processing, pattern recognition, and prediction through algorithms and learned experiences. In healthcare including neuroscience, AI is valuable for improving prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance.
Methods: This qualitative study aimed to investigate the acceptability of AI in Medicine (AIIM) and to elucidate any technical and scientific, as well as social and ethical issues involved. Twenty-five doctors from various specialties were carefully interviewed regarding their views, experience, knowledge, and attitude toward AI in healthcare.
Results: Content analysis confirmed the key ethical principles involved: confidentiality, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Honesty was the least invoked principle. A thematic analysis established four salient topic areas, i.e., advantages, risks, restrictions, and precautions. Alongside the advantages, there were many limitations and risks. The study revealed a perceived need for precautions to be embedded in healthcare policies to counter the risks discussed. These precautions need to be multi-dimensional.
Conclusion: The authors conclude that AI should be rationally guided, function transparently, and produce impartial results. It should assist human healthcare professionals collaboratively. This kind of AI will permit fairer, more innovative healthcare which benefits patients and society whilst preserving human dignity. It can foster accuracy and precision in medical practice and reduce the workload by assisting physicians during clinical tasks. AIIM that functions transparently and respects the public interest can be an inspiring scientific innovation for humanity.
Here are some thoughts:
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare presents a complex landscape of potential benefits and significant ethical concerns. On one hand, AI offers advantages such as error reduction, increased diagnostic speed, and the potential to alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals, allowing them more time for complex cases and patient interaction. These advancements could lead to improved patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
However, ethical issues loom large. Privacy is a paramount concern, as the sensitive nature of patient data necessitates robust security measures to prevent misuse. The question of responsibility in AI-driven decision-making is also fraught with ambiguity, raising legal and ethical dilemmas about accountability in case of errors.
There is a legitimate fear of unemployment among healthcare professionals, though it is more about AI augmenting rather than replacing human capabilities. The human touch in medicine, encompassing empathy and trust-building, is irreplaceable and must be preserved.
Education and regulation are crucial for the ethical integration of AI. Healthcare professionals and patients need to understand AI's role and limitations, with clear rules to ensure ethical use. Bias in AI algorithms, potentially exacerbating health disparities, must be addressed through diverse development teams and continuous monitoring.
Transparency is essential for trust, with patients informed about AI's role in their care and doctors capable of explaining AI decisions. Legal implications, such as data ownership and patient consent, require policy attention.
Economically, AI could enhance healthcare efficiency, but its impact on costs and accessibility needs careful consideration. International collaboration is vital for uniform standards and fairness globally.
