Sanele Nene

University of Johannesburg - Doornfontein Campus,South Africa

Abstract Title:“ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPLEMENTATION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Biography:

Research Interest:

Background: It is now clear that Artificial intelligence (AI) is inevitable for the South African healthcare system as it has proven to improve patients’ outcomes and cutting costs for public hospitals, especially where it is used at a larger scale. However, there are ethical challenges that hinders the propelling of the uptake of AI in a South African public healthcare system.  

Objectives: This study aimed to explore and describe the ethical considerations for effective implementation of AI in a South African Public healthcare system.

Design and method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design and a descriptive phenomenological approach were employed in this study. Six phases were followed to conduct the study from a public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect data from the operational managers and a thematic data analysis method was used. The researcher observed and upheld trustworthiness and ethical principles throughout the study to sustain integrity of the study.  

Findings and conclusion: This study culminated to the following four themes; 1) lack of trust and reliability in AI, 2) concerns on privacy, security and bias in AI, 3) Accountability and transparency in AI, and 4) future considerations of AI ethics.  AI is the future of healthcare which should be carefully navigated for effective implementation by ensuring that its implementation is trustworthy, and it is upholding the applicable ethical principles.  

Advocacy message: The South Africa public healthcare system leaders should be cautious by ensuring that the implementation of every AI programme is ethical and not compromising the quality of patient care and the integrity of the health users.

Keywords: Ethical considerations, Artificial intelligence, implementation, public hospitals.