Verantwortungsvolle Digitalisierung & KI
Digital transformation in health care based on human needs and values
We are in a digital transformation; health apps and artificial intelligence (AI) are already part of everyday life. Health apps are widespread, with some featuring AI and others not. However, it is essential that we are prepared for the future of healthcare, particularly with the impact of AI. This also affects those working in integrative medicine.
In the long term, AI can handle almost any task that requires human thinking. The possibilities are so extensive that it is impossible to fully grasp its potential. AI is evolving faster than any other technology in medicine that we have seen to date. Moreover, AI is such a broad field – rather than individual AI experts, we will see a collective body of knowledge. This may seem intimidating, but at the same time, it can be fascinating and opens up many possibilities.
For integrative medicine, it is especially important that there is enough usable data available for AI in formats that can be integrated. Otherwise, future algorithms will not suggest integrative medicine treatments, as AI can only recommend what it has learned from existing data. There is a need for concepts to meaningfully link AI with integrative medicine. This includes aspects of integrating AI into treatment teams and its influence on collaboration and quality of outcomes.
Currently, the standardization of data collection, including data labeling, quality assurance, data protection, and data ownership, is at the center of many discussions. Furthermore, the validity, precision, and effectiveness of AI are being investigated. Additionally, complex ethical aspects need to be addressed, particularly how to ensure that AI applications benefit patients without creating new risks.