Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Doctors' use of AI - "risk to patients"

Despite many doctors using AI as a tool in their profession, only 6 per cent feel that their employer has guidelines for how it should be used. This emerges from a survey conducted by the Swedish Medical Association. We know very little about how AI is used in healthcare and this can pose risks to patients, says association chairperson Sofia Rydgren Stale.

» Updated: 07 October 2024, 19:40

» Published: 02 October 2024

Doctors' use of AI - "risk to patients"
Photo: Samuel Steén/TT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being tested and used in several medical fields, for example, to detect breast cancer from mammography images or to make an initial assessment of patients in emergency care.

When the Swedish Medical Association asked its members, it turned out that a quarter use AI in their work, many daily, and the most common area of use is for writing patient records. However, 55 percent of the respondents feel that there is a lack of policies for when and how they are allowed to use it. Approximately the same number believe that the lack of basic knowledge about AI in healthcare is an obstacle.

Sensitive data

Healthcare is a vulnerable environment where we handle sensitive data, and the technology risks drawing incorrect conclusions. It is simultaneously clear that employers do not prioritize this, says Rydgren Stale.

She believes that there are opportunities to streamline and facilitate work in healthcare with various AI solutions. However, when there are no clear rules for how and when it is allowed to be used, there is a risk that Sweden will fall behind. Among other things, 47 percent of the doctors who responded believe that there is uncertainty about the legal consequences of increased AI use.

The Medical Products Agency has developed guidelines for AI in healthcare, stating that the healthcare provider should conduct a risk and consequence analysis before implementation. The government has also appointed an AI commission, which is to report in July 2025. It will propose measures to strengthen the development and use of AI in Sweden in a sustainable and secure manner. However, according to the Swedish Medical Association, it only addresses healthcare to a limited extent.

More state responsibility

To make it good and safe, Rydgren Stale thinks that the state needs to take greater responsibility for AI in healthcare.

More concrete writings are needed about when and in what form it is allowed to be used. There is a great political expectation that AI will save personnel and streamline. But many tasks in healthcare and care are difficult to automate, she says.

Petra Hedbom/TT

Facts: About the survey

TT

1,436 doctors from various specialties have responded to the Swedish Medical Association's survey. They come from both public and private employers and are spread across the country.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"

Extradited after suspected boat murder
1 MIN READ

Extradited after suspected boat murder

Attacked girls with a knife – deported
1 MIN READ

Attacked girls with a knife – deported

"Copycab" Company Convicted of Trademark Infringement
1 MIN READ

"Copycab" Company Convicted of Trademark Infringement

Fear of Swedish Inflation after Trump's Election
4 MIN READ

Fear of Swedish Inflation after Trump's Election

Ica expands recall of falukorv
1 MIN READ

Ica expands recall of falukorv