Ethical Considerations in Autonomous AI Clinical Research: Insights from a Delphi Study
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By
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Ariadne A Nichol
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Alaa Youssef
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David B Larson
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Michael Abramoff
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Risa M Wolf
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Danton Char
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Nicole Martinez-Martin
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August 21, 2026
Objective:
To explore ethical considerations in the clinical research of autonomous AI tools in healthcare.
Approach:
- Delphi Study: A Delphi study was conducted to gather insights on ethical issues related to an autonomous AI screening tool for diabetic retinopathy.
Key Findings:
- Ethical principles for clinical research need adaptation for autonomous AI tools.
- Current guidance on AI ethics lacks specific direction for evaluating clinical trials involving autonomous AI.
- Trade-offs exist between algorithm performance and patient safety, particularly across diverse populations.
Limitations:
- Limited existing frameworks specifically addressing autonomous AI in clinical research.
- Challenges in balancing ethical principles with practical implementation in diverse healthcare settings.
Sources:
