Shaping the Future of Healthcare- How AI Can Drive Impact with Collaborative Innovation
The future of healthcare is becoming increasingly intertwined with AI. In a recent Tech To The Rescue webinar, we brought together experts to dive into its potential and challenges to get us ready for our upcoming health cohort of AI for Changemakers. At the heart of the conversation was a clear message: AI’s role in healthcare is evolving, but it requires careful thought, collaboration, and a human-centered approach. All ideas we champion at TTTR.
The impact of AI in the health sector is monumental. These AI use cases are not just cutting-edge—they are fundamentally altering the way we approach problems in healthcare and research. The panelists highlighted how AI can help speed up administrative processes, freeing up time for healthcare workers to focus more on patient care. In regions where internet access is limited, AI offers offline solutions that can still drive efficiency and support the delivery of healthcare services.
However, as Maria Haugen, Chief Marketing Officer at Omdena, pointed out, while the potential of AI is enormous, we need to make sure we’re addressing biases and other potential risks at every step. “Ultimately, when creating a solution,” she said. “One way that we work to really fight biases is having that larger pool of engineers making sure we’re looking at it from different points of view to really try and take out that subconscious bias that we’re all prone to.”
Data Privacy and Regulatory Challenges in AI for Healthcare
Data protection and privacy concerns are also particularly challenging and important in the healthcare sector. Organizations must navigate stringent regulations with healthcare classified as high-risk under the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act. It’s not just about compliance but ensuring that sensitive patient data is handled responsibly. Bruno Min, Senior Legal Program Manager at TrustLaw, suggested that one of the most effective and widespread ways to stay compliant is to conduct an impact report before the start of any project. “These exercises are designed to ensure that you don’t collect or process more data than is necessary and that you have adequate protections to ensure that the data you use is accurate, safeguarded, and non-discriminatory.”
Beyond law and regulations, there is also a human element to consider. AI should not be a replacement for human judgment, especially in high-stakes situations like medical diagnoses. James Maltby, Head of Digital Learning at Save the Children Humanitarian Leadership Academy, added that while he has seen AI tools achieve significant good both within Save the Children and with other NGOs they work with, he echoed the importance of maintaining a core of human care. “I think asking these questions precisely in your context, your culture is really important. For example, how would you feel if your doctor used AI to do a diagnosis? Would that make you trust the diagnosis, or would it not? These are the kinds of questions we need to ask.”
For nonprofits and NGOs looking to integrate AI, the experts emphasized the importance of choosing partners who understand the complexities of AI and can navigate the ethical and legal considerations involved. Innovation should be approached thoughtfully. As Maria emphasized, it’s not just about working with a company that is trustworthy, “but also always growing and educating themselves is really the key to success here, and also the key for any future type of innovation in AI.”
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
Ultimately, the future of AI in healthcare will be shaped by how organizations balance innovation with responsibility. As Bruno put it, “We shouldn’t confuse innovation with opportunism. Of course, we want the civic space to be exploring opportunities to use AI in ways that enhance or impact whichever issue they are working on. But just because the technology is there doesn’t mean that you should use it. It’s a very legitimate question to be asking: Do you actually need to do all of this?”
By the end of the engaging conversation, the consensus was clear. AI has immense potential in the healthcare sector, but we all need to be committed to doing it right. Collaboration, transparency, and a clear focus on human outcomes are key to ensuring AI fulfills its promise in this critical sector.
At Tech To The Rescue, we believe that collaboration is essential. That is why we are inviting health-focused NGOs to join our AI for Changemakers Health Cohort. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to receive guidance from industry-leading companies to help navigate the complexities of AI and implement solutions tailored to your mission. Whether you’re aiming to improve patient care, streamline operations, or address data challenges, our cohort will provide the tools, insights, and support you need to drive impactful change.
You’ll get free access to a 7-week AI Bootcamp, expert guidance, and a community dedicated to using AI for social good. Join us and equip your organization with the tools and skills to maximize your tech for good initiatives. Whether it’s improving patient outcomes, streamlining operations, or driving innovation, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.
Only 20 organizations will be selected for the Health Cohort. Apply by Sept 30th, 2024!
“My message to a lot of NGOs who might be kind of looking for opportunities to use AI is that a lot of these questions can be quite daunting,” says Bruno. “But help is available in various ways. There are ways in which you can make more informed decisions about these kinds of questions.”