WHO urges caution with healthcare AI deployment

As the deployment of artificial intelligence in health organizations around the world increases in speed and scope, the World Health Organization this week issued a plea for caution and deliberation when it comes to using AI and machine learning models .

why it matters
The WHO called for “caution” in how AI is used in clinical and other health care settings – especially rapidly developing large language model tools like ChatGPT.

“To protect and promote human welfare, human security and autonomy” – as well as to preserve public health – the officials said that “it is essential that access to health information is improved when using LL.M. Risks should be carefully examined, as a decision-support device, or even to increase clinical capacity in low-resource settings to protect people’s health and reduce inequality For.

The WHO acknowledges that the recent “meteoric public dissemination and increasing experimental use” of tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, Burt are generating significant enthusiasm about their potential to support the health needs of people.

While experts at the UN body said they are also upbeat about the “appropriate use” of those leading-edge algorithms, they are also concerned that “the caution that usually goes with any new technology , is not being used consistently with the LL.M.

WHO officials worry that the “adoption of untested systems” not only harms patients through medical errors and misinformation, but also “erodes trust in AI and thus undermines the potential long-term benefits of its use”. Does”.

In particular, the statement cited concerns about the values ​​of “transparency, inclusion, public engagement, expert oversight and rigorous evaluation”.

The WHO wants these imperatives to be at the top as AI is deployed, and called for “clear evidence of benefit to be measured” before widespread and routine use of LLM and other AI models in healthcare delivery.

big trend
In just a few short months, ChatGPT and Generative AI are making it clear that a new era is upon us when it comes to healthcare processes and decision making. LLM models and other machine learning tools are already poised to impact patient engagement and communication, inform hospital ADT choices, make waves in the health care workforce and seamlessly transform care with completely unknown people. Completely change the way we deliver.

It’s clear that AI in health care needs oversight and, more generally, a thoughtful approach to how — and why — those tools are used.

At HIMSS23 this past month, leaders from the World Health Organization and other health ministries around the world spoke about the need to advance digital health strategies, with patient access, safety and health equity as their north stars. .

On the record
“WHO reiterates the importance of applying the ethical principles and proper governance outlined in WHO’s guidance on the ethics and governance of AI for health,” said World Health Organization officials. statement.

“The six core principles identified by WHO are: (1) protection of autonomy; (2) promoting human welfare, human security and the public interest; (3) ensuring transparency, interpretability and comprehensibility; (4) promoting responsibility and accountability; (5) ensuring inclusiveness and equity; (6) Promoting AI that is responsible and sustainable.

Mike Milliard is executive editor of Healthcare IT News
Email the author: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.