Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense promise for advancing healthcare, but the responsible utilization of its potential requires careful consideration, according to an editorial authored by Victor J. Dzau and colleagues. The authors emphasize the need for preparedness in harnessing AI's power and maximizing its benefits, highlighting crucial issues of equity and advocating for a collaborative approach in both research and governance.
Addressing fundamental concerns, the authors stress the importance of reducing barriers to entry for large-scale AI capabilities and fostering dynamic ecosystems that encourage collaboration across the scientific community. They provide a roadmap for tackling these challenges, beginning with the advancement of AI infrastructure for data, computation, health, and scale. This, they argue, is essential to democratize access to research and outcomes.
The second key suggestion involves the establishment of a flexible governance framework. The aim is to ensure equity, prevent unintended consequences, and maximize the positive impact of AI in the healthcare domain. The authors underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the ethical implications and societal consequences of AI applications.
In their third recommendation, the authors advocate for building international collaborative efforts. They believe that expanding the scope and scale of these collaborations will effectively address research questions that are of global importance. The emphasis is on efficiently pooling resources and knowledge to advance the responsible integration of AI in health and medicine.
According to the authors, the National Academies are poised to play a pivotal role in this process. They suggest that these institutions can convene stakeholders, facilitate cross-sectoral discussions, and provide evidence-based recommendations. Such actions, they argue, will contribute to the establishment of a strong foundation for the future of AI in healthcare.
In a related perspective within the same issue, Monica Bertagnolli, incoming director of the National Institutes of Health, shares her insights on the integration of AI in health and medicine. Her perspective adds depth to the ongoing discussion about the responsible and effective use of AI in shaping the future of healthcare.
