You’ve likely heard about artificial intelligence (AI) transforming health care, from reading medical scans to predicting patient outcomes. While AI promises to reduce human error and improve treatment, it also introduces new concerns about liability and patient safety.
As these technologies become more common in Illinois hospitals and clinics, you should understand the benefits and risks. Medical professionals must navigate this new landscape carefully, as AI tools can both prevent and potentially cause medical errors.
How AI is currently improving patient safety
AI systems are already working to keep you safer during medical procedures and hospital stays. Here are current examples of the benefits of this new technology:
- Smart eyewear can detect medication errors by scanning vial and syringe labels in real-time
- AI algorithms identify patterns in medical images that human eyes might miss
- Predictive analytics help identify patients at risk for complications before symptoms appear
- Natural language processing tools can flag potential drug interactions in your medical records
These technologies serve as a “second set of eyes” for health care providers, especially in high-pressure environments like operating rooms where mistakes can happen quickly.
The growing malpractice concerns with AI
Despite its promise, artificial intelligence introduces new complications to medical liability and patient care. Some of the challenges of implementing this new technology include:
- Responsibility becomes unclear when AI contributes to medical decisions that harm patients
- Over-reliance on technology may reduce clinician vigilance and critical thinking
- Data bias in AI systems can lead to incorrect recommendations for specific populations
- Privacy concerns when processing patient information through AI systems
The legal framework hasn’t fully caught up to these technologies, leaving questions about who bears responsibility when AI-assisted care goes wrong – the doctor, hospital or technology developer.
Finding a balance between innovation and safety
For you as a patient, understanding the role of AI in your care is becoming increasingly important. Here are ways to help ensure your own safety:
- Ask your health care providers about any AI tools used in your diagnosis or treatment
- Request explanations about how AI recommendations influence your care plan
- Remember that AI should supplement, not replace, human medical judgment
- Be aware of your rights regarding how providers and others use your medical data to train AI systems
Technology in medicine works best when it enhances the human elements of care rather than replacing or diminishing them.
When medical errors occur, whether related to AI or traditional care, consulting with a skilled medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your rights and options for addressing the harm caused by negligence in the health care system.