The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cancer care has raised ethical concerns among oncologists, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. The research, led by Dr. Andrew Hantel from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, gathered insights from 204 oncologists across 37 states to explore their perspectives on the ethical dimensions of using AI in clinical practice.
Key findings from the study revealed that a majority of participants (84.8 percent) believed that AI-powered clinical decision models should be transparent and explainable to oncologists to be utilized effectively in patient care. Interestingly, 23.0 percent of respondents also felt that these models needed to be understandable by patients. Additionally, 81.4 percent of oncologists supported the idea of obtaining patient consent before incorporating AI models into treatment decisions.
In a hypothetical scenario where an AI decision model recommended a different treatment approach than the oncologist, most respondents indicated that they would present both options to the patient and allow them to decide (36.8 percent). Notably, oncologists from academic settings were more inclined to involve patients in decision-making compared to their counterparts in other practice settings.
Concerns were also raised about the potential for biased AI tools, with 76.5 percent of respondents agreeing that oncologists should safeguard patients from the use of prejudiced AI models. However, only 27.9 percent expressed confidence in their ability to identify poorly representative AI algorithms.
The findings underscore the importance of conducting thorough assessments of AI’s impact on clinical decision-making in oncology. The study authors emphasized the need for clear guidelines on decisional responsibility when issues related to AI use arise, suggesting that a balanced approach is essential to ensure ethical AI adoption in cancer care.
As the field of oncology continues to embrace technological advancements like AI, it is crucial for healthcare providers to navigate the ethical complexities associated with these innovations while prioritizing patient well-being and informed decision-making.
