Ethical considerations for artificial intelligence in dermatology: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bioethics

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being integrated into dermatology, with applications ranging from diagnostic mobile apps to large language models.
• This integration raises significant ethical questions that need thorough examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify current applications of AI in dermatology.
• To understand the ethical implications associated with these AI applications.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed, adhering to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
• A comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) was conducted using terms related to dermatology, AI, and ethics.
• 202 papers were initially identified, with 68 ultimately included in the review.

Main Results:

• AI applications in dermatology encompass clinical image analysis, teledermatology, and large language models.
• Key ethical concerns identified include misdiagnosis, data security, privacy violations, algorithmic bias (especially regarding skin of color), and potential job displacement.
• Patient attitudes indicate a need for physician oversight to ensure AI reliability and accountability.

Conclusions:

• AI offers substantial benefits to dermatology, such as enhanced patient access and improved clinical decision-making.
• Robust safeguards are essential to ensure the ethical deployment and application of AI in dermatological practice.
• Addressing bias and ensuring patient trust are critical for successful AI integration.