Artificial intelligence in medicine: Ethical, social and legal perspectives

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated into every aspect of medicine and promises to provide accurate diagnosis, better management decision and improved outcome for patients and healthcare system. However, ethical, social and legal issues need to be resolved for successful implementation of AI tools in clinical practice. In order to gain trust and acceptance, AI algorithms should offer maximum explainability and inclusiveness. Robust evidence of benefit to patients and healthcare services has to be provided to gain justification of using these tools. Doctor–patient relationship needs to be maintained in order to gain trust and acceptance of users. Autonomy of decisions and dignity of patients need to be preserved while using machine in healthcare. Responsibility and accountability in the use of AI in medicine should be deliberated and defined before mishaps and damage occur. A new role of healthcare providers will emerge with the advancement of technology and changes are inevitable. This manuscript is based on the Gordon Arthur Ransome Lecture 2022 entitled “Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Ethical, Social and Legal Perspective”. It represents the opinion of the orator.