The "Magical Theory" of AI in Medicine: Thematic Narrative Analysis.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_70A36210D6DE
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
The "Magical Theory" of AI in Medicine: Thematic Narrative Analysis.
Journal
JMIR AI
ISSN
2817-1705 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
2817-1705
Publication state
Published
Issued date
19/08/2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
3
Pages
e49795
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
The discourse surrounding medical artificial intelligence (AI) often focuses on narratives that either hype the technology's potential or predict dystopian futures. AI narratives have a significant influence on the direction of research, funding, and public opinion and thus shape the future of medicine.
The paper aims to offer critical reflections on AI narratives, with a specific focus on medical AI, and to raise awareness as to how people working with medical AI talk about AI and discharge their "narrative responsibility."
Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 41 participants from different disciplines who were exposed to medical AI in their profession. The research represents a secondary analysis of data using a thematic narrative approach. The analysis resulted in 2 main themes, each with 2 other subthemes.
Stories about the AI-physician interaction depicted either a competitive or collaborative relationship. Some participants argued that AI might replace physicians, as it performs better than physicians. However, others believed that physicians should not be replaced and that AI should rather assist and support physicians. The idea of excessive technological deferral and automation bias was discussed, highlighting the risk of "losing" decisional power. The possibility that AI could relieve physicians from burnout and allow them to spend more time with patients was also considered. Finally, a few participants reported an extremely optimistic account of medical AI, while the majority criticized this type of story. The latter lamented the existence of a "magical theory" of medical AI, identified with techno-solutionist positions.
Most of the participants reported a nuanced view of technology, recognizing both its benefits and challenges and avoiding polarized narratives. However, some participants did contribute to the hype surrounding medical AI, comparing it to human capabilities and depicting it as superior. Overall, the majority agreed that medical AI should assist rather than replace clinicians. The study concludes that a balanced narrative (that focuses on the technology's present capabilities and limitations) is necessary to fully realize the potential of medical AI while avoiding unrealistic expectations and hype.
The paper aims to offer critical reflections on AI narratives, with a specific focus on medical AI, and to raise awareness as to how people working with medical AI talk about AI and discharge their "narrative responsibility."
Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 41 participants from different disciplines who were exposed to medical AI in their profession. The research represents a secondary analysis of data using a thematic narrative approach. The analysis resulted in 2 main themes, each with 2 other subthemes.
Stories about the AI-physician interaction depicted either a competitive or collaborative relationship. Some participants argued that AI might replace physicians, as it performs better than physicians. However, others believed that physicians should not be replaced and that AI should rather assist and support physicians. The idea of excessive technological deferral and automation bias was discussed, highlighting the risk of "losing" decisional power. The possibility that AI could relieve physicians from burnout and allow them to spend more time with patients was also considered. Finally, a few participants reported an extremely optimistic account of medical AI, while the majority criticized this type of story. The latter lamented the existence of a "magical theory" of medical AI, identified with techno-solutionist positions.
Most of the participants reported a nuanced view of technology, recognizing both its benefits and challenges and avoiding polarized narratives. However, some participants did contribute to the hype surrounding medical AI, comparing it to human capabilities and depicting it as superior. Overall, the majority agreed that medical AI should assist rather than replace clinicians. The study concludes that a balanced narrative (that focuses on the technology's present capabilities and limitations) is necessary to fully realize the potential of medical AI while avoiding unrealistic expectations and hype.
Keywords
artificial intelligence, hype, medicine, narratives, physicians, qualitative research
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
20/12/2024 14:27
Last modification date
23/01/2025 7:07