Ethics From the Outset: Incorporating Ethical Considerations into the Artificial Intelligence and Technology...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Bioethics

Background:

• Growing need for technologies supporting healthy aging and independence in older adults.
• Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) pose significant challenges to aging populations.
• The National Institute on Aging (NIA) established Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITCs) to foster innovation in aging research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how applicants for AITC pilot grants addressed ethical considerations in developing technologies for older adults.
• To evaluate strategies for safeguarding data privacy, promoting health equity, mitigating bias, and protecting vulnerable participants in aging research.
• To inform future approaches for ethical technology development in aging research.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ethics-focused questions from 2023 AITC pilot grant applications.
• Application of a constructivist grounded theory approach to interpret applicant responses.
• Qualitative assessment of strategies for data privacy, health equity, bias mitigation, and participant protection.

Main Results:

• Identified diverse approaches proposed by applicants for addressing ethical challenges in aging technology development.
• Highlighted key areas of focus and potential gaps in safeguarding older adults and vulnerable populations.
• Provided insights into the practical implementation of ethical frameworks in artificial intelligence for aging research.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals the current landscape of ethical considerations in AI for aging research among grant applicants.
• Findings will guide the refinement of ethical guidelines and best practices for NIA AITCs and future aging technology initiatives.
• Emphasizes the importance of proactive ethical planning in the development and deployment of technologies for older adults.