Exploring patient perspectives on how they can and should be engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in health care
This study created a framework and provided recommendations to meaningfully engage patients when developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare.
The patients completed a plain language education module about the fundamentals of AI before participating in the study. A total of 30 patients participated in four virtual focus groups, and the results were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
The results revealed that patients want to get involved in the early stages of identifying problems related to AI in healthcare. They prefer recruitment through face-to-face interactions or social media, ensuring the process uses inclusive language representative of diverse populations. Patients also prioritized including people usually underrepresented in research, building long-term partnerships, making participation accessible, and involving stakeholders from different disciplines. Equally important is educating patients about AI. Since AI is a rapidly evolving and complex topic, providing adequate information and ongoing support are instrumental to successful patient engagement.
The researchers hope this study helps start a dialogue on effective, representative and inclusive patient engagement practices within AI in health care.
