Patient Rights Under Pressure Amid AI Hype in Healthcare

AI is already widely used in healthcare, from ambulance triage systems to diagnostic tools analyzing brain scans. However, many doctors and patients struggle to understand how these technologies work. This challenges the principle of ‘informed consent,’ which requires patients to understand the basis of medical decisions. “If doctors don’t understand AI, how can patients make informed choices about their care?” Van Kolfschooten asks.

AI in healthcare also raises privacy concerns. Patient data is essential for training AI models, yet patients have the right to data protection. “The EU’s AI Act provides regulation, but it focuses on products rather than safeguarding patient rights,” Van Kolfschooten warns.

She argues that AI implementation is often driven by technological progress and efficiency rather than patient needs. “Hospitals adopt AI to project a modern image, but patients and healthcare professionals are often sidelined in the process.” This leads to situations where technology is imposed without genuinely improving care.

To better protect patient rights, Van Kolfschooten advocates for a European charter specifically addressing AI in healthcare. “If we don’t set minimum standards, we risk losing trust in the healthcare system,” she says. “And without trust, people avoid seeking care, which is counterproductive.”