Overwhelmed by all the talk of Artificial Intelligence at a strategic level? The kind of ethical issues that stretch far beyond the realm of Chat GPT or your computer?
This two-minute read captures the big picture surrounding AI, its regulations and ethical considerations; designed for podiatrists.
Everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and while this article is by no means exhaustive, it highlights the complexity of, and disparity within, this vast topic.
Did you know that on March 21, the world’s first global AI resolution was adopted by the United Nations?
What does this mean for Australian podiatrists?
This move by the UN has no immediate impact on podiatrists in many ways, except to highlight a widespread desire for AI to become regulated. Of particular importance is the issue of data privacy and the ethical implications of any such breaches, alongside implications on patients and healthcare providers if AI gets it wrong.
Globally, this ‘race to regulate AI’ reveals disparities existing between countries as to what extent AI should be regulated. Unsurprisingly, healthcare inspires much of this dialogue and these kinds of conversations are certainly worth remaining updated on as the situation continues to evolve.
In particular, uncertainty exists around the extent to which ‘regulatory guardrails’ should be in place to encourage ‘responsible AI’. Discussions focus on the potential cost of innovation if such guardrails are in place, with local news sources weighing in on this issue.
These nuanced conversations come off the back of related developments like the Council of Europe drafting a Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, which was adopted in May 2024.
In the words of Thomas Schneider, the Chair of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence, this document:
“… is now definitely the first binding international treaty on AI and waiting to be signed and ratified by countries. In contrast to hopes and fears to the contrary, the negotiating parties have neither intended to create new substantive human rights nor to undermine the scope and content of the existing applicable protections.”
Closer to home, Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources is opening up the discussion on what responsible AI should look like.
In the words of the Department:
“This discussion paper focuses on governance mechanisms to ensure AI is developed and used safely and responsibly in Australia. These mechanisms can include regulations, standards, tools, frameworks, principles and business practices. The paper builds on the recent Rapid Research Report on Generative AI delivered by the government’s National Science and Technology Council.”
Where the Australian Government currently stands is up for debate; given how fast-paced this landscape of change is. Yet goals such as ‘becoming the global leaders in AI’ are frequently referred to in Government-led commentaries.
Alongside Government-funding injections into digital health, AI-related research continues to be on the rise in Australia and overseas, whilst global peers seek to also weigh in on this issue through the lens of podiatry.
In the meantime, a useful reference point to consider is the Australian set of ‘ethics principles’, in place as a guide for anyone who uses AI in any context.
This document outlines key considerations to bear in mind when using AI, which may help to clarify any unanswered ethical considerations you have in mind.
Or consider doing a short course by the World Health Organisation, such as Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Health | OpenWHO. This course can help you stay up to date on ever-changing ethical considerations when it comes to AI in the healthcare space.
According to the course materials, you will learn to:
If the above developments feel too overwhelming rather than informative, given their propensity to change quickly, then consider regularly catching up on online commentaries from national or global peers. These peer-to-peer conversations can help to inform your latest thinking around AI, its implications, and how you choose to use it in clinical practice.
Members of the Australian Podiatry Association can access discussions such as the above, via its member-only forums.
The Australian Podiatry Association has also aligned with Provider Connect with a focus on the power of digital connect to create more efficiencies and connections for its members and AI is a hot topic at APodA’s conferences, events, and in its member resources.
The APodA will continue to keep members updated on relevant developments in AI. It will encourage the podiatry profession to continue to draw on resources, such as those referred to in this article, for the latest updates as they emerge.
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