Ethical Reflections on Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Care Practices.

Abstract

BackgroundThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into disability care presents transformative opportunities while simultaneously raising pressing ethical concerns. Issues related to autonomy, human dignity, and equitable access require careful consideration, particularly as these technologies reshape the dynamics of care delivery and clinical relationships. PurposeDrawing on an interdisciplinary approach that synthesizes insights from bioethical literature, illustrative case studies, and expert perspectives from healthcare, law, and technology, this reflection examines the ethical landscape of AI-supported rehabilitation and assistance. Particular attention is given to risks such as algorithmic bias, over-reliance on automation, and the potential erosion of the human dimension in care. A biopsychosocial model serves as a guiding framework to analyze how technological systems intersect with the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. Ethical tensions emerge around personalized care, transparency in decision-making, and the inclusivity of data and design processes.ConclusionsThe analysis emphasizes the need for governance models that embed ethical safeguards and promote fairness, while also encouraging participatory design involving patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. By situating technological developments within broader socio-political and clinical contexts, this reflection identifies pathways toward a more equitable and human-centered integration of AI. Recommendations include investment in inclusive datasets, the development of fairness-aware algorithms, and the establishment of regulatory mechanisms that align innovation with fundamental rights and principles of social justice in healthcare.