Ethical Implications of AI in Healthcare: Balancing Innovation with Patient Privacy and Security

Abstract

One area that has recently undergone massive changes is the healthcare sector, where Artificial Intelligence is reconsidering diagnostics, treatment, and patient management. While most of the thinking tasks have been improved by using artificial intelligence, the implications of integrating it across the health sector have brought out specific ethical issues, such as patient privacy and data security and decision-making based on artificial intelligence. This paper aims to review the various issues related to the ethics of artificial intelligence in the healthcare delivery system today, especially as it concerns the users or patients. The paper provides a response to fundamental questions like data protection, potential algorithms’ prejudice, the possibility of explaining AI’s decisions, and the necessity for improved legal regimes. Looking at the contemporary application of AI in the healthcare industry, the paper outlines threats to patient safety and their agency. It reflects on the part that healthcare organizations and government must play in the prevalence of safe AI. Finally, it reiterates a call to ethicists to craft a set of ethical rules that will prevent productive AI use from eroding patient trust and privacy.