Mercy Health has joined global tech leaders and public and private institutions worldwide in endorsing the Vatican’s ethical approach to artificial intelligence as the first Australian health and aged care provider to sign the Rome Call for AI Ethics.
First signed in early 2020 by representatives from the Pontifical Academy for Life, Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Italian Minister of Innovation, the Call promotes a shared responsibility to request and develop AI that serves every person and the global community.
Sponsors of the Call aim to work together to promote “algorethics” (a combination of algorithms and ethics), which is the creation and use of AI that is transparent, accountable, impartial, reliable, secure and private, and inclusive.
This is particularly important within the healthcare sector, where AI integration is accelerating. Research by the Deloitte Centre for Health Solutions and recent surveys show that 75 per cent of leading healthcare providers are already experimenting with data and AI solutions.
By joining the Rome Call, Mercy Health is now the first Australian health and aged care provider publicly committed to ensuring that any explorations are conducted in accordance with these principles, alongside Australia’s regulatory guardrails.
Paul Jurman, Mercy Health’s chief information officer, said healthcare providers must balance the potential of artificial intelligence with the need for regulation and responsible use.
“AI is already being used in healthcare to create operational efficiencies, provide research and diagnostic support, and to enhance patient and customer interactions,” he said.
“Demand for innovation will only increase, and it is our responsibility to make sure we do this ethically, in a way that benefits every one of our patients, clients, staff and community members equally.”
FULL STORY
Mercy Health joins global tech leaders in Rome Call for AI Ethics (Mercy Health)
