Among other things, AI applications in healthcare have the potential to improve the quality of care, increase efficiency, counteract the shortage of skilled workers and contribute to greater personalization of care. Despite these expectations, there are uncertainties and risks associated with the use of AI, for example regarding data quality, data protection, possible discrimination against underrepresented groups, job satisfaction and the relationship of trust between doctors and patients.
It is therefore important, especially in clinical settings and when interpersonal interactions are involved, to carefully select areas of application and tools, define clear rules for the use of AI and quality assurance, and design processes in such a way that human and technical skills are optimally combined.
In the project with the REHASAN Group, possible uses and areas of application for AI within the network of rehabilitation clinics were examined, and its introduction was prepared and supported.
In the project, Fraunhofer ISI supported REHASAN in selecting and preparing the roll-out of selected AI-supported technologies. First, a systematic screening of possible AI applications and tools was carried out, and the needs and requirements of employees and patients were analyzed. Costs, technical requirements and other framework conditions were also considered. Finally, implementation steps for the group's business plan were defined for the selected application scenarios.
AI-based decision support systems are making a significant contribution to the digital transformation of healthcare. However, they raise important normative challenges in terms of responsibility, privacy, security and autonomy, as well as social challenges relating to human-machine interaction, work processes, professional self-image and the relationship between doctors and patients.
These ethical and social implications of its use were the focus of Fraunhofer ISI's contributions to this joint project. One result of this work was a set of recommendations for dealing with AI in hospitals and care facilities, which were published in the Federal Health Gazette in 2024 (Supporting medical and nursing activities with AI: Recommendations for responsible design and use).
The project aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges presented by the convergence of artificial intelligence (especially in the form of deep learning systems) with rapid advances in modern genome analysis and genome editing, and to identify the social and political implications involved.
The objective of the EU project Sano is to establish a centre for the advancement of computational medicine and to develop sophisticated methods including AI approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. The center is located in Kraków, Poland and is being supported by a consortium of renowned research institutions.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI