Algorithmic bias in healthcare Artificial Intelligence: Scientific accuracy and social justice

Summary

This webinar will address a key social and ethical concern for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare: algorithmic bias, which occurs when automated decision-making results in a pattern of unfair or inequitable outcomes. In this webinar, we will present preliminary findings from our project The Algorithm Will See You Now (NMRC Ideas Grant 1181960). We held qualitative interviews with diverse professional experts involved in the development, application and regulation of healthcare AI. Our findings show that views about the nature of algorithmic bias were broadly split into two groups. In the first group, participants acknowledged that algorithmic bias exists, but did not ascribe any responsibility for this, and did not see any need to address the problem. The second group acknowledged algorithmic bias and linked it to a critical argument that recognised systemic injustice and proposed that it requires response. In this group views regarding possible mechanisms to address bias were varied, ranging from scientific and technical to social approaches. This included varied views on the role of social variables: how the social categories that underpin biased decision-making are conceptualised and operationalised.

The presentation will be followed by responses from three expert panellists specialising in algorithmic bias through the lens of disability studies, data science and human rights.


Speaker: Dr Yves Saint James Aquino, Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, UOW

Chair: Prof Stacy Carter, Director of the Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, UOW

Panellists:

·  Prof Jackie Leach Scully, Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Disability Innovation Institute, UNSW

·  Prof Rachel Thomas, Professor of Practice (Data Scientist in Residence), Centre for Data Science, QUT

·  Prof Edward Santow, Industry Professor (Responsible Technology), UTS; Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner (2016-2021)