Patient Data and AI in Healthcare: Ethical Approaches to Data Collection, Sharing, and Use

Abstract

The utilization of patient data in conjunction with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalization, and overall patient outcomes. However, this potential comes with ethical challenges related to data collection, sharing, and use. This paper explores the ethical frameworks necessary for the responsible handling of patient data in the era of AI-driven healthcare. We delve into the principles of privacy, consent, transparency, equity, and accountability, proposing guidelines that ensure patient data is used ethically to foster innovations in healthcare while safeguarding patient rights and promoting trust in medical institutions. The paper aims to provide a roadmap for healthcare providers, policymakers, and AI developers to navigate the ethical complexities of using patient data in AI applications, thus ensuring that advancements in healthcare technology benefit all stakeholders ethically and equitably.