Training Bioethics Professionals in AI Ethics: A Framework

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Medical Ethics Education

Background:

• Growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare necessitates ethical preparedness.
• Existing training gaps for professionals in recognizing and mitigating AI ethical challenges.
• Need for standardized frameworks to guide ethical AI implementation in medical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive AI ethics training module tailored for healthcare professionals.
• To equip a diverse audience with the skills to address ethical dilemmas posed by AI in healthcare.
• To provide practical tools for evaluating and managing AI ethical considerations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular training program focused on AI ethics.
• Inclusion of practical resources: a two-page checklist, a glossary of terms, and three case studies.
• Application of the framework for training Research Ethics Committee members.

Main Results:

• The training module effectively prepares professionals to identify potential ethical challenges.
• The provided materials (checklist, glossary, case studies) offer practical guidance.
• The framework has been successfully piloted with ethics committee members in France and South Africa.

Conclusions:

• The AI ethics training module is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals.
• The training framework is adaptable for various academic disciplines, including public health, healthcare law, biomedical engineering, and applied ethics.
• This initiative supports the responsible development and deployment of AI in the healthcare sector.