Artificial intelligence needs better health systems to reduce inequalities

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Artificial intelligence ethics
• Health equity

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing in healthcare.
• Potential for AI to exacerbate existing health disparities without proper oversight.
• Need for a comprehensive governance strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine key governance domains for AI in healthcare.
• To identify systemic gaps and propose reforms.
• To ensure AI promotes health equity rather than inequality.

Main Methods:

• Perspective analysis of interconnected governance domains.
• Examination of legal frameworks, evidence generation, regulation, workforce readiness, and public trust.
• Identification of cascading weaknesses in the governance chain.

Main Results:

• Five interconnected governance domains form a cyclical chain.
• Weaknesses in one domain can negatively impact others.
• Critical gaps exist across all examined domains.

Conclusions:

• Adaptive governance is essential for equitable AI in healthcare.
• System-level reforms are needed to address identified gaps.
• Proactive governance can ensure AI reduces health disparities.