Essence: How AI Is Already Shaping Healthcare and What Black Patients Should Know
Essence recently interviewed Tiffani Bright, PhD, assistant professor at Cedars-Sinai and co-director of the institution’s Center for AI Research and Education, about what Black patients need to know about the increased use of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings.
While many AI tools have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in healthcare, patients might not be aware the technology is being employed during a provider visit nor given a clear opportunity to opt out of their use.
“Patients don’t see a pop-up message that says, ‘Today’s care was brought to you by this algorithm,’” Bright said. “The algorithmic influence is just there in the background.”
Bright told Essence that trust is essential for these tools to be useful to Black patients and trust must be earned through equity and transparency. Historically, the Black community has been underrepresented in healthcare data, leading to undertreatment and even misdiagnosis.
“We have to ask who is represented in the data set, and who isn’t,” Bright said. “Anything that uses historical data can amplify existing disparities.”
Bright explained she is intentional about focusing on equity at the Cedars-Sinai Center for AI Research and Education. “We test AI for language, gender, insurance and things like that. We want to make sure that patients and groups of patients aren’t underrepresented in our records.”
While AI can be a useful tool in healthcare, Bright wants all patients—especially Black patients—to feel empowered to ask questions about AI technology and how it is being woven into their care.
“Don’t be afraid of the technology but do be informed. Do ask questions. Do use your voice. We want our tools used with our patients, not on them,” Bright told Essence. “That’s the difference between ethical AI and everything else. You have the right to understand and the right to say no.”
Read the complete article from Essence.