Health Equity Considerations in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Health Equity

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities to advance neurologic care, enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and clinical decision-making.
• However, AI also poses risks of perpetuating or worsening existing health disparities, particularly for marginalized populations, if not developed with deliberate safeguards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the dual potential of AI in neurologic care, identifying both its capacity for innovation and its risks of introducing bias.
• To outline strategies for the neurology community to ensure AI promotes health equity rather than exacerbating disparities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to identify risks and opportunities of AI in neurologic care.
• Stakeholder consultations to gather diverse perspectives on AI implementation.
• Analysis of practical examples illustrating AI's impact on health equity.

Main Results:

• AI risks include biased datasets, nonrepresentative training populations, and opaque algorithms, potentially worsening health disparities.
• AI opportunities include early disease detection, language access, improved clinical trial diversity, and targeted quality improvement for underserved populations.

Conclusions:

• The neurology community must adopt guiding principles for AI development and implementation to ensure equity.
• Key principles include fostering diverse perspectives, expanding AI education for neurologists, and establishing robust ethical policy and governance.
• Centering inclusion, transparency, and accountability in AI can help address disparities and improve equitable access to high-quality neurologic care.