Bioethics issues related to Artificial Intelligence in Health: an exploratory study

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of users of social networks regarding the use of AI systems in the field of health and the bioethical aspects associated with this use. Method: Mixed method study, of the descriptive-exploratory type. The methodological path was divided into two stages: (1) gathering information about the main bioethical aspects involved in the use of AI and (2) elaboration of decision-making scenarios. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in order to characterize the sample from a sociodemographic point of view, as well as to characterize the sample's decision-making profile regarding bioethical issues associated with the use of AI systems. Qualitative data analysis was performed using Bardin's content analysis. Results: with regard to the sociodemographic profile, a sample of female adults with a university degree can be observed. With regard to the ethical concerns associated with the applied scenarios, the main concerns were in the first place the privacy and confidentiality of the data, followed by concerns related to the responsibility associated with the use of these technologies, as well as informed consent. Conclusion: In this way, the importance of new exploratory empirical studies like this one is highlighted, evaluating the perception, attitudes and opinions of specialized audiences, such as professionals in the health, law, humanities, in order to obtain concrete evidence to the development of management and governance programs for AI systems, especially in the Brazilian scenario, where resources are scarce.