Beyond the Algorithm: Citizens Professionals Dialogue on the Use of Generative AI in Healthcare

Area of Science:

• Healthcare innovation
• Artificial Intelligence Ethics
• Societal Impact of Technology

Background:

• Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) presents opportunities to enhance healthcare efficiency and quality.
• Adoption of GAI raises significant ethical and societal concerns, including transparency, equity, accountability, data privacy, and professional-patient relationships.
• Addressing these concerns requires open dialogue between healthcare professionals, citizens, and patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To facilitate a dialogue between Dutch citizens and healthcare professionals regarding the desirability and responsible implementation of GAI in healthcare.
• To explore perceptions of benefits, risks, and necessary conditions for GAI adoption from both citizen and professional perspectives.
• To capture a nuanced understanding of diverse opinions and underlying reasoning on GAI's role in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A structured qualitative dialogue session involving approximately 20 participants (10 citizens, 10 healthcare professionals).
• A four-hour program combining expert presentations on GAI, ethical/legal implications, and healthcare applications with small-group and individual reflection exercises.
• Expert input from the Dutch Ministry of Health, GAI developers, and researchers.

Main Results:

• Identification of key themes concerning the benefits, risks, and ethical boundaries of GAI in healthcare.
• Insights into areas of agreement and disagreement between citizens and healthcare professionals regarding GAI.
• Development of practical recommendations for policymakers to guide the responsible adoption of GAI.

Conclusions:

• Fostering open dialogue on GAI is crucial for strengthening trust and accountability in healthcare's digital transformation.
• Understanding public and professional perspectives is essential to ensure GAI development prioritizes human well-being over mere technological advancement.
• Enhanced public and professional awareness of AI's societal implications is a key outcome for responsible innovation.