Artificial intelligence and health-related data: The patient’s best interest and data ownership dilemma

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the global healthcare sector and medicine in general. However, integrating AI technologies in healthcare requires access to large amounts of personal health-related data (HRD), which raises concerns regarding confidential personal information considering unregulated and not transparent data ownership. Setting up the patient’s welfare as an unquestionable principle, this commentary explores the various ethical aspects of using HRD in AI applications, focusing on informed consent, data ownership, data sharing, financial considerations, accountability, and ethical standards. Three models of potential collaboration between AI-specializing firms and healthcare providers are evaluated: the commercial model, the equitable profit-sharing model, and the public-funded non-profit model. Each model has its advantages and challenges, necessitating a careful balance between ethical considerations, financial implications, and technological advancements. Policymakers and healthcare regulators are urged to establish transparent legislation to safeguard patient privacy, ensure informed consent, and promote the responsible use of HRD in AI applications. This commentary emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical issues to protect basic patient rights, foster responsible collaborations, and ensure the ethical use of health-related data in AI-based healthcare applications. While the coexistence of regulated AI and healthcare professionals is inevitable for validating the cost-effectiveness of AI use in healthcare economics, the transparency of HRD sources is deemed of utmost importance in the best interest of the patient.