JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications in the medical field has increased significantly, offering potential improvements in patient care and diagnostics. However, there is growing concern about ethical considerations in the development of these technologies, such as bias, informed consent, or trust.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the importance of ethics in the development of AI-based medical applications and explore the potential consequences of ignoring these ethical considerations on patients and physicians and the overall quality of medical care.

Methods:

The research employed a qualitative content analysis method to analyze and evaluate the responses garnered from interviews with experts in the field of AI development.

Results:

The study found significant variance in the importance of ethics in the development process. Some of the interviewed experts perceived ethics as an essential aspect of the development of AI-based medical applications. In contrast, others underscored a more performance- or efficiency-oriented view, at times perceiving ethical considerations as potential hindrances to technological progress. This dichotomy of perspectives clearly emphasizes the subjectivity and complexity surrounding the role of ethics in AI development, which is fundamental to the discussion of this research.

Conclusions:

Despite the limitations in the generalizability of the results due to the number of interviewees and research methodology, the study underscores the need for consistent ethical considerations in AI-based medical applications. Further research should explore possible mechanisms to promote ethical AI development, including transparent and responsible AI development, diverse data, physician training, and the establishment of a clear legal framework.