Abstract
While there is significant enthusiasm in the medical community about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare, few research studies have sought to assess patient perspectives on these technologies. We conducted 15 focus groups examining patient views of diverse applications of AI in healthcare. Our results indicate that patients have multiple concerns, including concerns related to the safety of AI, threats to patient choice, potential increases in healthcare costs, data-source bias, and data security. We also found that patient acceptance of AI is contingent on mitigating these possible harms. Our results highlight an array of patient concerns that may limit enthusiasm for applications of AI in healthcare. Proactively addressing these concerns is critical for the flourishing of ethical innovation and ensuring the long-term success of AI applications in healthcare.
Highlights
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the ability of computers to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence[1], has the capacity to impact millions of patients by changing the way medicine is practiced
These considerations highlight the importance of patient engagement to ensure that these technologies are integrated into healthcare in a manner that fosters public trust[7,8] and mitigates widespread patient concerns that might result in another “AI Winter”[9]
The patients we consulted shared a variety of concerns that will shape their perceptions of future AI applications in healthcare
Summary
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the ability of computers to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence[1], has the capacity to impact millions of patients by changing the way medicine is practiced. Studies of nonmedical applications of AI have shown that the public tends to view nonmedical AI in highly variable ways[6], with factors such as media coverage and early experiences playing key roles in shaping public opinion. These considerations highlight the importance of patient engagement to ensure that these technologies are integrated into healthcare in a manner that fosters public trust[7,8] and mitigates widespread patient concerns that might result in another “AI Winter”[9]
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