Ethical Framework of Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Equity

Abstract

Healthcare is evident in the extensive use of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Although one aim of technological development and application is to promote health equity, it can at the same time increase health disparities. An ethical framework is needed to analyze issues arising in the effort to promote health equity through digital technology and AI. Based on an analysis of ethical principles for the promotion of health equity, this research article aims to synthesize an ethical framework for analyzing issues related to the promotion of health equity through digital technology and AI. Results of the study showed a synthesized framework that comprises two main groups of ethical principles: general principles and principles of management. The latter is meant to serve the implementation of the former. The general principles comprise four core principles: Human Dignity, Justice, Non-maleficence, and Beneficence, covering major principles and minor principles. For example, the core principle of Human Dignity includes three major principles (Non-humanization, Privacy, and Autonomy), and two minor principles (Explicability and Transparency). Other core principles have their relevant major and minor principles. The principles of management can be categorized according to their goals to serve different core principles. An illustration of applying the ethical framework is offered through the analysis and categorization of issues solicited from experts in multidisciplinary workshops on digital technology, AI, and health equity.