In the digital era, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and trust is increasingly becoming a focal point in discussions around technology and ethics. Specifically, many people are asking, How will artificial intelligence impact healthcare? In a recent talk, Dr. Ida Sim, Professor of Medicine and Computational Precision Health at UCSF, and Cora Han, attorney and Chief Health Data Officer for University of California Health, discussed the issues surrounding healthcare and AI. They emphasized the necessity for AI systems to be trustworthy, transparent, and reliable.
Dr. Sim highlighted the critical role of transparency and explainability in AI governance and oversight. She stressed the importance of being open about how AI systems function and making their processes understandable, which is crucial for building trust among patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.
Cora Han elaborated on AI governance initiatives across UC Health, as well as state and federal efforts. She focused on developing frameworks that ensure AI tools are not only developed, integrated, and deployed safely and effectively but also ethically and justly, respecting privacy and avoiding biases. She underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to achieve these goals.
Trust in AI must be continuously earned, requiring that AI systems, whether used for diagnosing illnesses or facilitating technology interactions, not only demonstrate competence and efficiency but also fairness, accountability, and transparency. This is a significant challenge, as many AI systems act as “black boxes” with opaque workings, making it difficult for users to understand how decisions are made.
Vigilant development and deployment of AI in healthcare are imperative, involving rigorous testing, ongoing monitoring, and a readiness to make necessary adjustments. By prioritizing fairness, accountability, and transparency, AI can be effectively harnessed to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. Collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals are crucial to ensure that AI tools enhance, rather than undermine, public trust. Proactively addressing these challenges enables us to responsibly leverage AI’s potential, paving the way for a future where technology significantly advances healthcare delivery and patient care.
Watch Trustworthy AI in Healthcare: Whose Trust Needs to be Earned and How.