The American Medical Association (AMA) actively promotes the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, which they specifically term Augmented Intelligence (AI). This conceptualisation emphasises AI's role as a tool that enhances human intelligence rather than replacing the physician.
Key Takeaways on AI in Practice
Physicians are increasingly adopting and showing enthusiasm for augmented intelligence tools:
- Growing Use: In 2024, 66% of physicians reported using some type of AI tool in their practice, a significant increase from 38% in 2023.
- Positive Sentiment: 68% of physicians see at least some advantage to using AI in their practice, a number that continues to rise.
- Areas of Opportunity: AI is being explored not only for clinical decision support and medical devices but also for reducing administrative burden and improving physician well-being.
Core Principles for Ethical Development and Use
The AMA's policy on augmented intelligence is centered on ensuring that its development and deployment are ethical, equitable, and responsible. Key areas of focus include:
- Oversight and Transparency: Requiring clear oversight of health care AI systems and ensuring that the use of AI is transparent to both physicians and patients (including what to disclose and when).
- Liability: Addressing physician liability when using AI-enabled technologies.
- Data and Privacy: Establishing policies for AI data privacy and cybersecurity.
- Payor Use: Setting governance for how health plans (payors) use AI and automated decision-making systems.
- Generative AI: Developing specific policies and governance for generative AI tools.
AI in Medical Education
AI is recognised as a crucial part of the future of healthcare education, with the potential to transform the learning experience through "precision education" and ultimately, "precision health." The AMA is working to integrate AI into all stages of the medical education continuum, both as a subject of study and as a tool for educators and learners.
Source: https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital-health/augmented-intelligence-medicine
By: AMA
