WHO Assesses AI Healthcare Pros and Cons

Generative artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize healthcare, influencing areas like drug development and expediting diagnoses. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a cautionary note on Thursday, emphasizing the need for heightened attention to associated risks.

Exploring AI Large Multi-Modal Models (LMMs) in Healthcare

The WHO has been actively evaluating the potential benefits and risks posed by AI Large Multi-Modal Models (LMMs), a relatively recent development rapidly gaining prominence in the healthcare sector. LMMs represent a form of generative AI capable of utilizing diverse data inputs, including text, images, and video, to generate outputs not restricted to the type of data fed into the algorithm.

According to the Manila Bulletin, LMMs are anticipated to find extensive applications in healthcare, scientific research, public health, and drug development. The organization outlined five key areas where this technology could be deployed: diagnosis, scientific research and drug development, medical and nursing education, clerical tasks, and patient-guided use for investigating symptoms.

Balancing Potential With Recognized Risks

While acknowledging the potential benefits, the WHO cautioned against documented risks associated with LMMs. These risks include the potential for generating false, inaccurate, biased, or incomplete outcomes.

The WHO highlighted the inevitability of errors, misuse, and potential harm to individuals as LMMs gain broader usage in healthcare. To address these concerns, the organization issued recommendations on the ethics and governance of LMMs to guide governments, tech firms, and healthcare providers in safely leveraging this technology.

According to WHO, Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar emphasized the potential of generative AI technologies to improve healthcare but stressed the crucial need for identifying and fully addressing associated risks. The guidance called for collaborative development involving scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and patients.

Additionally, the WHO underscored the vulnerability of LMMs to cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the necessity for regulatory approval, auditing, and impact assessments in healthcare settings. As generative AI continues to evolve, vigilance and ethical considerations remain paramount for its responsible integration into healthcare practices.

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