Physicians and AI ethics: 6 things to know

Over half of physicians are concerned about ethical dilemmas when it comes to implementing artificial intelligence in the medical field, according to Medscape’s 2024 “Hot Topics in the Medical Profession Report,” published Sept. 18. 

Advertisement

Here are five additional things to know about physicians’ thoughts on the ethics of AI in 2024: 

1. About 53% of physicians are very concerned (25%) or concerned (28%) about ethical dilemmas with AI. Just 10% of physicians are not concerned at all, while 37% are somewhat concerned. 

2. The majority of physicians (60%) believe that AI will eventually be sophisticated enough to explain complicated questions clearly and obtain informed patient consent. 

3. The large majority of physicians believe that more transparency will be needed when it comes to how AI reaches conclusions surrounding medical treatment. Eighty-five percent of physicians believe that providers need to know how decisions are reached, while an additional 70% believe patients also need to know how decisions are reached. 

4. The majority of physicians (69%) believe that AI systems could be more vulnerable to patient data breaches. 

5. The majority of physicians (73%) believe that using generative AI for mental healthcare — essentially assigning patients to a “robot” therapist — is a risky use of the technology. Just 5% of physicians believe that it is not a risky use of digital tools. 

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

160 ambulatory leaders just ranked the EHR as the single system most overdue for AI reinvention

Tuesday, August 11
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenter: Gautam Shah, MBA, FACHDM, NextGen Healthcare

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC News

Advertisement

Comments are closed.