Transforming Public Health Practice With Generative Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Public health practice appears poised to undergo a transformative shift as a result of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). These changes will usher in a new era of public health, charged with responding to deficiencies identified during the COVID-19 pandemic and managing investments required to meet the health needs of the twenty-first century. In this Commentary, we explore how AI is being used in public health, and we describe the advanced capabilities of generative AI models capable of producing synthetic content such as images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content. Viewing the use of AI from the perspective of health departments in the United States, we examine how this new technology can support core public health functions with a focus on near-term opportunities to improve communication, optimize organizational performance, and generate novel insights to drive decision making. Finally, we review the challenges and risks associated with these technologies, offering suggestions for health officials to harness the new tools to accomplish public health goals.