Everyone talks about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but many questions remain. Here are eight things to know about AI:
- AI refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems. Umbrella terms include voice recognition, pattern ID, contextually aware interactions, and complex process automation.
- Machine learning is different from AI and involves algorithms whose performance improves as they are exposed to more data over time. While AI mimics human behavior, machine learning involves probabilistic linear algebra. ChatGPT is an example of deep learning, which is a subset of machine learning. ChatGPT is often used to create content, although its ethics and accuracy have been questioned.
- Leaders in ethics, human rights, digital technology, and law convened to study AI. They determined that AI can be a great tool to improve diagnoses, treatment, health research, drug development, population health, and outbreak management. However, the group also stressed that ethics and human rights must be at the center of AI design, deployment, and use. They identified six core principles of AI in health care. It must protect autonomy; promote human well-being, human safety, and the public interest; foster responsibility and accountability; ensure inclusivity and equity; and promote AI that is responsive and sustainable.
- Racial bias in health-care AI remains a concern. The use of data that inadvertently captures systemic race, a form of bias, can result in inequities. Despite the concerns it creates, using race as a factor has become a common practice when designing clinical outcomes.
- Applying DEI principles to the development of AI can help ensure that public health efforts benefit every patient population group during a pandemic.
- Trustworthy AI—the design, development, acquisition, and use of AI in a way that promotes public trust—is key to the adoption of AI that limits misinformation and fabricated video and audio. Before sharing AI-generated content, it should be verified and fact-checked,
- When there is a problem or issue with AI, a system should be in place to identify who is responsible for it.
- AI has a role in PALTC. It can enhance patient diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring and help promote evidence-based care for older adults with chronic conditions, mobility issues, and cognitive deficits. For instance, it can be used in wearable and other devices designed to promote care and safety and transmit data. However, when health plans use AI-generated algorithms to determine coverage, it can challenge a person-centered approach to care.