Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare - Opportunities and challenges.

Tēnā koutou, e ngā rau rangatira mā.

As we continue to navigate the complex interplay between emerging models of care, new technology and medical practice, we recognise the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides in supporting doctors in their practice and potentially improving outcomes for patients. At the same time, there are a number of ethical issues we need to consider, when AI is used in clinical practice.

We know that AI is being used in medical practice every day. Examples include, recording of patient notes, providing diagnostic support, personalised treatment plans, patient monitoring and much more. 

These tools can provide support by automating administrative tasks, which in turn can increase the time healthcare professionals spend with their patients.

Alongside these developments come significant responsibilities. The deployment of AI in healthcare needs thoughtful consideration of potential risks to public safety. The Council, alongside our international regulatory colleagues are considering a number of ethical issues, including:

➡️ Informed consent and ensuring patient understanding about how AI is used in their care and what it means for their treatment options.

➡️ Potential equity disparities in AI accessibility and use – ensuring these technologies do not exacerbate existing inequities, or disproportionately benefit one group over another.

➡️ Understanding how inherent biases in AI algorithms may affect diagnostic accuracy and treatment recommendations across different demographics.

➡️ Upholding ethical standards in the use of AI, particularly concerning patient privacy, data security, and the potential for over-reliance on automated systems. 

Council’s role is in providing guidance and standards to the profession about the safe and effective integration of AI into medical practice.

The challenge of safely integrating AI into healthcare is complex and ongoing, and we are looking forward to working with our international colleagues through the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and engaging with experts from Aotearoa | New Zealand and internationally to consider the opportunities and challenges and what we need to be thinking about.

You may be interested in reading more about AI in healthcare in the report Capturing the benefits of AI in healthcare for Aotearoa New Zealand, from the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser.

He mihi mahana

Joan Simeon
Manukura | Chief Executive Officer