Yarrr, scurvy dogs be usin' AI to reckon who gets to have the fancy pirate potions!
2023-08-23
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs of the medical profession be employin' the help of artificial intelligence contraptions to churn out assessments of the risk o' gettin' hooked on the devil's brew, opioids. Smart move, ye landlubbers!
Health agencies and law enforcement are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to combat the widespread opioid addiction crisis. AI-powered systems like NarxCare provide numerical ratings based on patients' medication history to give doctors a basic understanding of their risks. However, experts are divided on the effectiveness of these systems, expressing concerns about potential harm to patients. Health economist Jason Gibbons emphasized the need to carefully assess the impact of AI in order to avoid unintended consequences.AI models are generating algorithmic evaluations of individual patients to assist professionals in determining their addiction risks. These evaluations consider various data points, including the number of prescriptions, dosage information, and the prescribing doctors. It is important to note that the ratings generated by AI are not intended to be the sole basis for decisions regarding patients' care, and doctors are encouraged to exercise their own judgment alongside the technology.
As AI continues to advance rapidly, with predictions of more than 37% annual growth until 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an advisory emphasizing the importance of "safe and ethical AI for health." The WHO recommends caution when using AI-generated language models and chatbots in order to protect human well-being, safety, autonomy, and public health. Transparency, inclusion, public engagement, expert supervision, and rigorous evaluation are key values that should be upheld when implementing AI tools in healthcare.
While there is significant excitement surrounding the potential of AI in addressing health-related needs, the risks need to be carefully considered. The WHO's advisory serves as a reminder to approach AI implementation in healthcare with caution and to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals.