In a recent study published in the journal NPJ Digital Medicine, researchers have proposed an innovative system called the GREAT PLEA to ensure the responsible use of generative AI in healthcare. The study, which reviewed existing guidelines on the ethical implementation of AI in military and healthcare applications, aims to address the limitations of the current ethical use of AI technology.
Generative AI refers to a type of artificial intelligence that produces new content by learning patterns from existing data. While these models have proven to be highly useful in various fields like drug discovery and medical research, they often lack ethical considerations and fail to account for potential collateral damage. The proposed system, GREAT PLEA, seeks to address this issue by introducing a set of ethical principles specifically for generative AI in healthcare.
The ethical principles of GREAT PLEA encompass nine key considerations: Governability, Reliability, Equity, Accountability, Traceability, Privacy, Lawfulness, Empathy, and Autonomy. These principles emphasize the need for responsible and ethical implementation of generative AI in healthcare settings. They can be enforced through collaboration with lawmakers, the establishment of standards for developers and users, and partnerships with recognized governing bodies in the healthcare sector like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
The study also highlights the importance of ethical guidelines in the military sector, where AI tools are increasingly being utilized. Principles established by the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and adopted by NATO have shown effectiveness in mitigating potential risks and ensuring accountability.
While the use of AI in healthcare holds great potential, discussions on ethics in the field are still limited. Most research on ethical AI development and bias reduction is primarily focused on the military sphere. The proposed GREAT PLEA system aims to fill this gap and provide a comprehensive framework for the ethical use of generative AI in healthcare.
As the adoption of AI continues to grow across various sectors, it is crucial to prioritize ethical considerations to ensure the responsible and beneficial use of this technology. The proposed GREAT PLEA system presents a significant step towards achieving this goal in the healthcare domain. By adhering to the principles of GREAT PLEA, developers and users of generative AI can contribute to a more responsible and ethical future for healthcare.
