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PainChek® AI-powered facial assesses pain level. The smart device scans the face and analyzes facial muscle movements that indicate pain.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve in healthcare, we have a responsibility to ensure these technologies are used ethically. Responsible AI use goes beyond protecting patient data; it is also about ensuring that benefits are distributed equitably across communities within and outside of healthcare.
The ethical imperative in AI
AI has the potential to transform our healthcare services, enabling earlier diagnoses, predicting patient needs and improving efficiency. However, these advances come with important ethical considerations. If not managed carefully and consistently, AI can increase social inequality, threaten privacy and undermine the human touch in healthcare.
Ethics in AI is not optional, but essential.
AI in health and social care in Wales
In Wales, the use of AI is already making progress in tackling key challenges within our healthcare system. Early efforts are promising and show how AI can improve accessibility, optimize resources, and better serve the people who need it most.
For example, Wales’ ambitious targets to improve poor cancer outcomes align with AI’s potential in earlier cancer detection. AI offers the opportunity to integrate large amounts of data from extensive biological analyzes with advances in high-performance computing and breakthrough deep learning strategies.
AI is now being used in more ways to help fight cancer. It improves the way we detect and screen cancer, diagnose it and classify different types. Furthermore, AI helps us understand cancer at the genetic level and evaluate markers that can predict how the disease will develop and how it will respond to treatment.
We must quickly explore and implement robust and secure solutions. Initiatives such as the AI Committee on Health and Social Care and the National Data Source (NDR) play a key role in advancing data quality and governance for ethical AI use.
The opportunity for industry to contribute is significant, working with healthcare providers to help drive the responsible and effective implementation of AI and ensure these technologies are deployed for the greater good in all communities.
Some ethical challenges and considerations
- Bias and fairness: The effectiveness of AI systems depends on the quality of the data they use. Biased data can lead to outcomes that disproportionately impact certain communities, especially where socio-economic inequality is significant. Exciting progress is being made with projects like the National Data Resource (NDR). This effort is aimed at using patient data safely and effectively. By addressing issues such as data that may be too limited or unbalanced, the NDR aims to ensure that AI remains fair and unbiased for all.
- Data privacy and consent: As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, protecting patient information is critical. Strong data protection standards are essential to ensure AI solutions align with ethical practices. The goal is to maintain patient trust by keeping them informed and in control of their data. Initiatives such as those from Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) are making progress with secure environments that protect privacy and support responsible AI use.
- Transparency and accountability: The AI Commission for Wales, with members from a range of healthcare stakeholders, provides guidance in line with UK and global standards for transparency and accountability in the use of AI to support decision-making in healthcare.
- Preserving human expertise: AI decision-making should support, not replace, the vital roles of healthcare professionals. The Welsh Government is working closely with its workforce, through bodies such as the Workforce Partnership Council, to ensure that AI enhances rather than diminishes the human expertise and care that remains at the heart of our healthcare services.
Regulation and governance
When it comes to the use of AI in healthcare, solid regulations are critical. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is leading the way, ensuring that AI in medical devices and software is both safe and effective. Meanwhile, organizations such as NICE and the Center for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) are providing guidance and recommendations, creating a consistent regulatory framework. It’s about ensuring that, as AI technology evolves, it is used in a way that truly benefits patients and maintains high standards of care.
Public trust and involvement
For AI to truly excel in healthcare, building public trust is essential. Engaging communities and addressing concerns through consultation and outreach are critical to building trust.
Life Sciences Hub Wales plays a key role in connecting and facilitating partnerships to support these goals.
If you are an AI innovator and are interested in working with the healthcare system in Wales, we encourage you to do so Get in touch with us and share your ideas.
