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To: The Minister for Health
Stop AI being forced on patients in medical settings
Don't allow medical professionals to force AI on patients in consultations so that they can record sessions or take notes.
Why is this important?
I recently required cancer testing followed by a consultation. I was scared when I met the Consultant as I was awaiting my results. I was told that the appointment was being recorded with AI. I objected a number of times but was told that AI was being used for notes and letters. Despite my objection, I felt I didn't have a choice as I badly needed my results.
I was very upset following this interaction as my body, voice and highly sensitive information was fed into AI. I asked people on social media if they experienced the same and many informed me that it happened to them in GP appointments as well as Specialist Consultant appointments. Some told me that they were refused medical treatment for their children unless they consented to AI recording. I was also told of AI being used to record notes in counselling sessions.
This is a violation of rights and raises questions around privacy and consent. Some people may not understand what they are consenting to. We don't know where or how this data is being stored and processed. We don't know if medical professionals are checking it before sending out notes and letters and mistakes could end up on a permanent medical records. It is unclear what exactly professionals are using it for, in my case I was told it was for notes but others have told me they were not informed of its use. Forced consent is not consent.
It is unacceptable that patients are being told that they must consent to AI recording their appointment in order to access medical support. There is an imbalance of power as patients are unwell, scared and vulnerable; they have no choice but consent in order to get treatment. Medical care should be person-centred and patients' rights and objections must be heard.
I was very upset following this interaction as my body, voice and highly sensitive information was fed into AI. I asked people on social media if they experienced the same and many informed me that it happened to them in GP appointments as well as Specialist Consultant appointments. Some told me that they were refused medical treatment for their children unless they consented to AI recording. I was also told of AI being used to record notes in counselling sessions.
This is a violation of rights and raises questions around privacy and consent. Some people may not understand what they are consenting to. We don't know where or how this data is being stored and processed. We don't know if medical professionals are checking it before sending out notes and letters and mistakes could end up on a permanent medical records. It is unclear what exactly professionals are using it for, in my case I was told it was for notes but others have told me they were not informed of its use. Forced consent is not consent.
It is unacceptable that patients are being told that they must consent to AI recording their appointment in order to access medical support. There is an imbalance of power as patients are unwell, scared and vulnerable; they have no choice but consent in order to get treatment. Medical care should be person-centred and patients' rights and objections must be heard.