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Today in Brief

Patients with disabilities already face major obstacles when it comes to healthcare: diagnostic errors, limited access to treatments, bias in medical decisions...

And with the rise of artificial intelligence in healthcare, these inequalities could get worse.

Here's what you absolutely need to understand.

Could AI in Healthcare Worsen Inequalities for People with Disabilities?

The problem?

AI models are trained on historical data... which reflect the existing biases of the healthcare system.

The result: people with disabilities, underrepresented in databases, risk being even more overlooked.

Dr. Charles Binkley, an expert in AI ethics, explains:

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"Models work best on patients considered 'typical.' Those who fall outside this norm are the most vulnerable to AI errors. My job is to anticipate these biases and find solutions to limit the harm."

Dr Charles Binkley

An Even Greater Risk of Exclusion

AI could classify certain patients with disabilities as "non-compliant" simply because it doesn't recognize their care pathways.

Historically, doctors justified these differences through factors like lack of adherence or better access to care, but AI could go even further by completely ignoring these subgroups.

AI is an opportunity, but it must be designed FOR EVERYONE.

Possible solutions:

Create more inclusive databases, so AI learns to correctly identify patients with disabilities.
Involve the people concerned in AI design, to avoid the "disability dongle effect" (when technology is created without understanding users' real needs).
Make AI a prevention tool, not just a detection system, to anticipate risks specific to the care pathways of patients with disabilities.

What Now?

Researchers, universities, and companies must make inclusivity a priority in medical AI.

AI can revolutionize healthcare... but only if it includes everyone!

And you, as a professional?

If AI becomes an essential tool in medicine, it must not replace human expertise – especially when it comes to patients with specific needs.

👉 Have you already noticed limitations in the AI tools you use?

👉 How are your patients with disabilities taken into account in your practice?

👉 In your opinion, what solutions could improve AI inclusivity in healthcare?

P.S.:

✅ Feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts – I'll share the most interesting ones in next week's issue!

📝 In Summary :

AI in healthcare relies on biased data, which can underrepresent patients with disabilities and worsen inequalities.
Current models work best on "typical" patients, leaving behind those who fall outside the norm.
Major risk: AI could misinterpret the care pathways of patients with disabilities, classifying them as "abnormal" rather than adapting its recommendations.
Solution? Integrate more inclusive databases, involve patients in tool development, and use AI to prevent problems – not just detect them.
Healthcare professionals have a key role to play by sharing their feedback to improve these technologies.