JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The discourse surrounding medical artificial intelligence (AI) often focuses on narratives that either hype the technology's potential or predict dystopian futures. AI narratives have a significant influence on the direction of research, funding, and public opinion and thus shape the future of medicine.

Objective:

The paper aims to offer critical reflections on AI narratives, with a specific focus on medical AI. The aim of this article is to raise awareness as to how people working with medical AI talk about AI and discharge their ‘narrative responsibility’.

Methods:

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from different disciplines who were exposed to medical AI. The research represents a secondary analysis of data using a thematic narrative approach.

Results:

Stories about the AI-doctor interaction depicted either a competitive or collaborative relationship. Some participants argued that AI might replace doctors as it performs better than physicians. However, others believed that doctors should not be replaced and that AI should rather assist and support physicians. The idea of excessive technological deferral and automation bias was discussed, highlighting the risk of ‘losing’ decisional power. The possibility that AI could relieve doctors from burnout and allow them to spend more time with patients was also considered. Finally, a few participants reported an extremely optimistic account of medical AI while the majority criticized this type of story. The latter lamented the existence of a ‘magical theory’ of medical AI, identified with techno-solutionist positions.

Conclusions:

The majority of the participants reported a nuanced view of technology, recognizing both its benefits and challenges, and avoiding polarized narratives. However, some participants did contribute to the hype surrounding medical AI, comparing it to human capabilities and depicting it as superior. Overall, the majority agreed that medical AI should assist rather than replace clinicians. The study concludes that a balanced narrative (that focuses on the technology's present capabilities and limitations) is necessary to fully realize the potential of medical AI while avoiding unrealistic expectations and hype.