From black box to clarity: Strategies for effective AI informed consent in healthcare

Informed consent is fundamental to ethical medical practice, ensuring that patients understand the procedures they undergo, the associated risks, and available alternatives. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in diagnostics, introduces complexities that traditional informed consent forms do not adequately address. AI technologies, such as image analysis and decision-support systems, offer significant benefits but also raise ethical, legal, and practical concerns regarding patient information and autonomy.

The integration of AI in healthcare diagnostics necessitates a re-evaluation of current informed consent practices to ensure that patients are fully aware of AI's role, capabilities, and limitations in their care. Existing standards, such as those in the UK's National Health Service and the US, highlight the need for transparency and patient understanding but often fall short when applied to AI. The "black box" phenomenon, where the inner workings of AI systems are not transparent, poses a significant challenge. This lack of transparency can lead to over-reliance or distrust in AI tools by clinicians and patients alike. Additionally, the current informed consent process often fails to provide detailed explanations about AI algorithms, the data they use, and inherent biases. There is also a notable gap in the training and education of healthcare professionals on AI technologies, which impacts their ability to communicate effectively with patients. Ethical and legal considerations, including data privacy and algorithmic fairness, are frequently inadequately addressed in consent forms. Furthermore, integrating AI into clinical workflows presents practical challenges that require careful planning and robust support systems.

This review proposes strategies for redesigning informed consent forms. These include using plain language, visual aids, and personalised information to improve patient understanding and trust. Implementing continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms can ensure the ongoing effectiveness of these forms. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks and enhancing communication techniques to convey complex AI concepts to patients. By improving informed consent practices, we can uphold ethical standards, foster patient trust, and support the responsible integration of AI in healthcare, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.