Informed Consent & Use of AI in Emergency Medicine
In the evolving landscape of emergency medicine, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises significant ethical and practical challenges, particularly concerning informed consent. Kenneth V. Iserson, MD, MBA, discusses these issues in a guide published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Highlighting the necessity for practitioners to fully grasp AI's development, functionality, and limitations, Iserson stresses the importance of maintaining patient autonomy through informed consent. He points out the difficulties in ensuring privacy and accuracy within AI systems and the potential conflict between administrative decisions and patient welfare. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into medical practice, Iserson calls for comprehensive education for physicians to navigate the complexities of AI application effectively, underscoring the dynamic nature of this technological advancement and its implications for emergency medicine.