A national citizens’ jury was set up to hear from citizens about the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Problems and Purpose
Participants were asked to deliberate in response to the question “Under which circumstances, if any, should artificial intelligence be used in Australian health systems to detect or diagnose disease?” [1]
Background History and Context
With the development and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), it has found its way into many areas of life. This offers opportunities as well as concerns. In areas such as healthcare, there are potential opportunities for greater accuracy in diagnoses and treatment, but this needs to be considered within the parameters of how the technology should be governed. While AI in healthcare is already being used in Australia, it needs further consideration. [2]
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
The Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values (ACHEEV) commissioned and ran the citizens’ jury. The Sortition Foundation recruited participants.
Participant Recruitment and Selection
30 participants, recruited through random stratified sampling, took part in the citizens’ jury.
Participants received a stipend for taking part and had their travel, accommodation and meals for the in-person meeting provided by the organisers. [3]
Methods and Tools Used
Citizens’ jury
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
The process was 18 days in total; 15 online and three in-person in Sydney. The organisers also provided support and training for participants to be able to take part meaningfully. [4]
Participants received information through a handbook, online documents, and four expert presentation recordings. Participants were also given the opportunity to ask questions of the experts on the first online day of the in-person deliberations and throughout the online deliberations. [5]
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Participants distilled their deliberations down to 10 issues and 15 recommendations. The main priority recommendation was an “overarching, independently governing charter and framework” for using AI in healthcare. [6]
Analysis and Lessons Learned
See Also
References
[1] Carter, S. M., Aquino, Y. S. J., Carolan, L., Frost, E., Degeling, C., Rogers, W. A., Scott, I. A., Bell, K. J. L., Fabrianesi, B., & Magrabi, F., (2024) How should artificial intelligence be used in Australian health care? Recommendations from a citzens’ jury, Medical Journal of Australia, 220(8), 389-437, https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52283
[2] Mayhew, K., (2024, May 28) AI will transform Australian healthcare. What should we do to get ready?, The Stand, University of Wollongong, https://www.uow.edu.au/the-stand/2024/ai-will-transform-australian-healthcare-what-should-we-do-to-get-ready.php
[3] Carter, S. M., Aquino, Y. S. J., Carolan, L., Frost, E., Degeling, C., Rogers, W. A., Scott, I. A., Bell, K. J. L., Fabrianesi, B., & Magrabi, F., (2024) How should artificial intelligence be used in Australian health care? Recommendations from a citzens’ jury, Medical Journal of Australia, 220(8), 389-437, https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52283
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.