AI for Health Equity lab gets ELSA accreditation
24-01-2024
Familiar problem in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications: the under-representation of certain groups. Especially in healthcare, where the application of AI is growing rapidly, this problem is becoming increasingly urgent. The AI for Health Equity lab focuses on research for equitable application of AI technology in healthcare. UvA researchers together with others started this lab that has now been awarded ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects) status.
ELSA status
The Dutch AI Coalition (NL AIC) has awarded the NL AIC Label. The label is a formal recognition of (the quality of) an activity in line with the ambitions and strategic goals of the NL AIC. The lab is a collaboration of the UvA, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), Amsterdam UMC and Vrije Universiteit, and various private and public partners. From the AUAS, Jesse Aarden (Smart Health and Vitality Lab) and Somaya Ben Allouch (research group Digital Life, Centre or Applied Research FDMCI) are involved.
Equal opportunities
The lab promotes equity by providing a digital health infrastructure where AI solutions become deployable in an equitable manner. The partners within the lab will share knowledge on this through a platform where different disciplines within science, patient and health organisations, and private and public partners work together towards more inclusive care. The ELSA Lab identifies barriers and opportunities of equitable access to AI applications in healthcare and works to build a digital health infrastructure so that solutions become available to a wider group.
Transparency
In this way, the lab creates knowledge for various stakeholders involved in the development and deployment of AI Health applications. The lab also focuses on the transparency and representativeness of databases relevant to AI Health applications and the interaction between the user and the technology, translating fundamental research into practice.
Tackling barriers
'The increasing digitisation of healthcare and innovation in medical care can only be successful if it ensures equitable access,' says Mahsa Shabani of the UvA's Law Centre for Health and Life. 'We will only achieve equity in healthcare if we address barriers and ensure that health technologies are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of diverse populations, said Julia van Weert, Professor of Health Communication at the UvA, who will lead the lab together with Anniek de Ruijter.
Building on Amsterdam collaboration
The research institutes of the UvA, AUAS, VU and Amsterdam UMC associated with the ELSA Lab are already collaborating with a wide range of external stakeholders, such as patient associations, Amsterdam municipality, GGD/GGZ, SGAN, National Expertise Centre Pharos, Primary Care and Health Care organisations and welfare & health organisations.