Dr Saumya Chanana1
1Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare continues to grow at a rapid rate. The proposed benefits of AI use include improvements in patient care, efficiency, and health outcomes, but the ethical implications of such technology are yet to be fully evaluated. In the field of radiology, AI poses changes and challenges to the future of healthcare. Despite the excitement for a potential myriad of AI functionalities – the hidden innerworkings of the technology, risks to core medical ethics, combined with a lack of community education suggest the ethical aspects need further consideration.
A qualitative literature review was undertaken using various search strategies on PubMed and Embase. A total of 45 articles satisfied the criteria and were included in subsequent analysis.
The ethical considerations of AI have epistemic, normative, and general overarching
concerns. The primary dilemmas are synthesised into core categories: algorithm bias, data ownership, consent, liability, and impact on clinical practice. Resolving these concerns requires a multidisciplinary approach involving software developers, healthcare practitioners, government bodies and the wider community.
Despite the exciting possibilities, the ethical considerations are vast and difficult to clearly communicate to patients and clinicians. Whilst suggestions of increased efficiency and more time for patient encounters are attractive, the role of a radiologist remains critically important in maintaining a strong clinician-patient relationship. Today, the use of AI in radiology is a dangerous double-edged sword that perhaps poses more problems than it solves.
Sincere gratitude to Prof. Richard Matthews who supervised this research project
Biography:
Saumya Chanana graduated in medicine from Bond University last year. She is currently taking a gap year and will join the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network as an intern in 2023. Saumya has an interest in orthopaedics, public health, and medical ethics.