SwedenLivingWorld 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

Four charged after axe murder in allotment area
1 MIN READ

Four charged after axe murder in allotment area

Solar Panels and New Trees – This is Where the Climate Money Goes
3 MIN READ

Solar Panels and New Trees – This is Where the Climate Money Goes

"Investigator wants to limit search services"
1 MIN READ

"Investigator wants to limit search services"

Woman attacked in shopping mall – suspect arrested
1 MIN READ

Woman attacked in shopping mall – suspect arrested

Kristersson: Trump curious about Sweden
1 MIN READ

Kristersson: Trump curious about Sweden

The Climate Minister: Sweden has a strong voice
2 MIN READ

The Climate Minister: Sweden has a strong voice

China denies knowledge of cable sabotage
3 MIN READ

China denies knowledge of cable sabotage

The proposal: This is what the new vocational programs in upper secondary school will look like
3 MIN READ

The proposal: This is what the new vocational programs in upper secondary school will look like

HD to take a stand on deportation in criminal cases
2 MIN READ

HD to take a stand on deportation in criminal cases

The Cable Owner: "Mysterious how it went wrong"
2 MIN READ

The Cable Owner: "Mysterious how it went wrong"

Danish defense follows suspected vessel
2 MIN READ

Danish defense follows suspected vessel

Sweden drops in climate ranking
1 MIN READ

Sweden drops in climate ranking

Kristersson: It could be sabotage
1 MIN READ

Kristersson: It could be sabotage

Noted Roadblock Becomes a Case for the Supreme Court
1 MIN READ

Noted Roadblock Becomes a Case for the Supreme Court

Municipal: An Important Victory
2 MIN READ

Municipal: An Important Victory

Alarm about fight at district court
1 MIN READ

Alarm about fight at district court

Hundreds of Millennium Errors at Säs
1 MIN READ

Hundreds of Millennium Errors at Säs

Military Secrets Left Open on Government Website
2 MIN READ

Military Secrets Left Open on Government Website

Climate action at three airports
1 MIN READ

Climate action at three airports

Ammunition Company Fined Millions After Accident
1 MIN READ

Ammunition Company Fined Millions After Accident