Shaping the Future of AI in Healthcare: Insights from the Citizens' Jury

We’re pleased to share that one of our Education Advisors at iheed, Artur Banaszkiewicz, recently took part in a compelling panel discussion focused on public perception and engagement with the use of AI in healthcare. Artur spoke from his experience as a member of the IPPOSI Citizens’ Jury on AI in Healthcare, where he was one of 25 jurors exploring the topic from both patient and public perspectives. 

The Citizens’ Jury, led by the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPOSI), convened over several months to learn about the use of AI in healthcare, both in Ireland and internationally. The jurors engaged in democratic debate and ultimately delivered 25 recommendations to the HSE and Irish Government (Departments of Health, Enterprise, Trade and Employment). The process also included a minority report to fully reflect the range of public sentiment. 

Following his involvement with the Jury, Artur was invited to join the HSE AI Framework Implementation Working Group, contributing to the development of a national approach to AI in healthcare. 

Key takeaways from the discussion included: 

• The need to safeguard educational standards and learning outcomes as AI is introduced. 

• Educating the public and patients to foster understanding and engagement with AI-powered solutions. 

• Ensuring both clinical and non-clinical staff are equipped to understand the implications, limitations, and potential of AI, particularly around data use (rather than programming skills). 

• Concerns remain around the potential for overreliance on AI. 

There is a clear need for robust regulation and a solid implementation framework. 

Read more about the Citizens’ Jury and its recommendations here: IPPOSI AI Citizens’ Jury Report