JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine, potentially leading to substantial advancements, such as improved diagnostics, has been of increased scientific and societal interest in recent years. However, the use of AI raises new ethical challenges, such as an increased risk of bias and potential discrimination of patients, as well as misdiagnoses potentially leading to over- or underdiagnosis with substantial consequences for patients. Recognizing these challenges, current research underscores the importance of integrating AI ethics into medical education. This study aims to introduce a comprehensive set of ethical principles for teaching AI ethics medical education. This dynamic and principle-based approach is designed to be adaptive and comprehensive, addressing not only the current but also emerging ethical challenges associated with the use of AI in medicine. Based on a reflective analysis of the current academic discourse on AI ethics in medical education, potential gaps and limitations were identified. The inherent interconnectivity and interdisciplinary nature of these anticipated challenges are illustrated through a focused discussion on 'informed consent' in the context of AI in medicine and medical education. This study proposes a principle-based approach to AI ethics education, building on the four principles of medical ethics - autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice - and extended by integrating three public health ethics principles: efficiency, common good orientation, and proportionality. The principle-based approach to teaching AI ethics in medical education proposed in this study offers a foundational framework to address the anticipated ethical challenges of using AI in medicine recommended in the current academic discourse. By incorporating three principles of public health ethics, this approach can ensure that medical ethics education remains relevant and responsive to the dynamic landscape of AI integration in medicine. As the advancement of AI technologies in medicine is expected to increase, medical ethics education must adapt and evolve accordingly. The proposed principle-based approach for teaching AI ethics in medical education provides an important foundation to ensure that future medical professionals are not only aware of the ethical dimensions of AI in medicine, but are also equipped to make informed ethical decisions in their practice. Future research is required to develop problem-based and competency-oriented learning objectives and educational content for the proposed principle-based approach to teaching AI ethics in medical education.