Community perspectives on AI/ML and health equity: AIM-AHEAD nationwide stakeholder listening sessions

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools have the potential to improve health equity. However, many historically underrepresented communities have not been engaged in AI/ML training, research, and infrastructure development. Therefore, AIM-AHEAD (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity) seeks to increase participation and engagement of researchers and communities through mutually beneficial partnerships. The purpose of this paper is to summarize feedback from listening sessions conducted by the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center in February 2022, titled the “AIM-AHEAD Community Building Convention (ACBC).” A total of six listening sessions were held over three days. A total of 977 people registered with AIM-AHEAD to attend ACBC and 557 individuals attended the listening sessions across stakeholder groups. Facilitators led the conversation based on a series of guiding questions, and responses were captured through voice and chat via the Slido platform. A professional third-party provider transcribed the audio. Qualitative analysis included data from transcripts and chat logs. Thematic analysis was then used to identify common and unique themes across all transcripts. Six main themes arose from the sessions. Attendees felt that storytelling would be a powerful tool in communicating the impact of AI/ML in promoting health equity, trust building is vital and can be fostered through existing trusted relationships, and diverse communities should be involved every step of the way. Attendees shared a wealth of information that will guide AIM-AHEAD’s future activities. The sessions highlighted the need for researchers to translate AI/ML concepts into vignettes that are digestible to the larger public, the importance of diversity, and how open-science platforms can be used to encourage multi-disciplinary collaboration. While the sessions confirmed some of the existing barriers in applying AI/ML for health equity, they also offered new insights that were captured in the six themes.

Achieving health equity through conversational AI: A roadmap for design and implementation of inclusive chatbots in healthcare

“…Our findings resonate with a broader discourse in health informatics and AI ethics. The study highlights the necessity of involving individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities in the design and implementation of health conversational AI, akin to the broader participatory design paradigm within health service research, which requires the engagement of end-users and stakeholders to ensure that the technology aligns with the actual needs and preferences of target populations [ 26 , 27 ]. There was also an understanding that the focus of healthcare providers on AI efficiency and cost-effectiveness, without adequate consideration of health equity, is likely to perpetuate algorithmic bias and broaden health inequalities [ 28 ].…”

Developing Ethics and Equity Principles, Terms, and Engagement Tools to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity in AI and Machine Learning: Modified Delphi Approach

“…Such an intentional approach also, importantly, demonstrates an appreciation for local knowledge and facilitates the design of more culturally informed interventions that consider how research will affect heterogeneous populations being studied in AI and ML research. This form of appreciation is necessary for tailoring engagement to the needs of diverse groups and understanding how to overcome barriers to AI and ML research and use [ 34 ].…”

“…The second goal of this reported effort is to emphasize that addressing equity requires an inclusive, ongoing process with a shared understanding of salient terms that will evolve over time. Recent engagements within the AIM-AHEAD program have noted this to be true even for terms like AI and ML, as today very few stakeholders have been able to clearly articulate how AI and ML can be or is used in the real world [ 34 ]. New and ongoing national initiatives, such as the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct project, which intends to develop a “code of conduct for the development and use of AI in health, medical care, and health research,” are encouraged to learn from the EEWG’s efforts [ 36 ].…”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Study of the Psychology of Religion

“…Individuals can seek spiritual guidance at their convenience with the help of these virtual companions who provide round-the-clock availability. Consequently, religious communities can expand their outreach, connect with diverse audiences, and provide support and resources to individuals worldwide (Vishwanatha et al 2023).…”