I recently noticed that, now, when searching on Google, an AI bot includes what it thinks is the best answer to my question at the top of my search results. This got me thinking: how does this relate to health inquiries on the internet? I for one occasionally search health-related questions online for quick answers, but without personalized information, it’s hard to know what to listen to. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives, we need to think about what this means for health equity. Will AI make it easier for everyone to have access to the information and care they need? Will it cause more health mis and dis information? A combination of both? To explore these questions, we can look to other nations that are already using AI to reach, understand, and serve patients. For example, askNivi—a chatbot used in India, Nigeria, and Kenya—is helping to provide evidence-based, customized health information to people at different reading levels. And in Kenya, the free digital platform, PROMPTS, delivered by Jacaranda Health via SMS messages, gives new and expecting mothers easy, ongoing access to prenatal and postnatal health information tailored to their pregnancy stage. How can we in the U.S. ensure digital health information benefits all?
Great examples of how AI can be used to tailor information to communities with specific needs. Community involvement, particularly among marginalized populations, in the development and implementation of these solutions should be prioritized to reduce health inequities.
Senior Director, Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
2wCurious to learn about other solutions from around the world tackling barriers to health equity? Explore the spotlight examples from @RWJF’s Global Trends in Health Equity report: https://rwjf.ws/3vNWO3H