What are the ethical considerations while using AI in healthcare?

With technologies developing at a faster rate, the emphasis on using the application of artificial intelligence (AI) increases. While every industry yields benefits, there are certain backlogs as well. The Healthcare industry witnessed a blooming experience in the year 2020. Even though the reason was unfortunate, the growth is commendable. With this growing pace, the need to adapt and practice artificial intelligence methods seems a major issue of concern.

It is believed that the introduction of AI in the healthcare-based industry will be extremely impactful and life-changing. Researchers believe that the process of diagnosing the patients and the treatments to be offered will get organized. While the concept of artificial intelligence is reaping benefits for many industries, it comes with open challenges in the healthcare industry.

Let's further discuss these legal challenges of artificial intelligence in this industry in detail.

Consent

This challenge focuses on the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. The criteria where what are the restrictions and what are the necessary details is still a blurred line. This question to date hasn't received the priority it deserves. It is yet to be determined what details are restricted and what are necessary to be discussed in terms of usage and adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Transparency and trustworthy

Trust is a factor that is bound to vary. Every human being has their own beliefs and process of thinking. While the recent research conducted by the US states that around 70% of people, both patients and healthcare providers included would trust AI. Even though a large number of people trust the authorities, they have raised the issue of transparency and clarity.

Biased algorithms

Machines are bound to make errors too. Algorithms that are developed in artificial intelligence follow a particular pattern. This leads to the possibility of it being biased and less personalized. It may show results that are not accurate outcomes. The question remains the same, whom you blame. While the answer to this is still uncertain, it is completely unfair to rule out the possibilities of AI in healthcare.

Data protection

We have witnessed how severe damage is done when any form of data is leaked. Humans are sensitive to their health, thus the details regarding the same held great importance too. Patients look for confidentiality hence data protection becomes one of the greatest legal challenges of artificial intelligence

Conclusion

The conceptual use of artificial intelligence can lead to infinite benefits if the challenges are resolved. Medical professionals and students currently wanting to pursue the medical field will have to take the pain of understanding artificial intelligence to incorporate it most effectively.

Since Artificial Intelligence needs the doctors, nurses, medical staff and all the healthcare professionals to be equipped with the skills required to operate the AI programmed technology and machinery. So if we really want to achieve AI based healthcare, the efforts towards the skill development have to be made on very large scale. In the context of opportunities, the utilization of AI will allow the IT professionals to participate in the medical domain, applying their knowledge and experience to help out the doctors and the professionals in this sector. Patients can have more precise and accurate information and most importantly it will help to understand a body better.

AI in healthcare is a place where doctors, nurses, and the rest of the supporting staff are still adjusting to these norms. Thus the question of it being a boon or curse remains a question. In the near future, it is expected that with greater usage and better understanding, the industries will be well prepared to accept the legal challenges of artificial intelligence.