At the University of Westminster, researchers have initiated a pioneering project that aims to produce a comprehensive guide for developers of AI chatbots in healthcare environments. The primary focus is to ensure inclusivity and diversity by prioritizing the needs of a wide range of patients throughout the design process to prevent exacerbating health disparities.

Collaborating with the Kinsey Institute, the University of Sussex, and the HIV charity Positive East, the research is financially supported by the NHS AI Lab and The Health Foundation. By examining existing guidelines for developing conversational AI tools in healthcare provided by organizations such as the NHS and WHO, the team recognized the lack of up-to-date data available for decision-making and insufficient consideration for underrepresented communities during the design and implementation stages.

The researchers are advocating for a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes equal involvement of individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations in decision-making, design, maintenance, and discontinuation of healthcare chatbots. The ultimate goal is to enhance inclusivity, acceptability, and engagement, providing more individuals with opportunities to address social health disparities effectively.

Dr. Tomasz Nadarzynczki, the lead investigator at the University of Westminster, highlights the need for a shift in the approach to AI development, emphasizing the importance of addressing health inequalities. By promoting collaboration with diverse communities throughout the algorithm creation and deployment processes, the researchers believe that overcoming biases, fostering trust, and maximizing the positive impact of AI on marginalized populations are achievable.

This groundbreaking research aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Advancement of All. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has embraced the SDGs as a holistic framework to guide strategic decisions, promoting excellence among students and faculty members to contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and healthier world.

This innovative study emphasizes inclusivity and community participation in the development of AI chatbots for healthcare applications, paving the way for a future where healthcare technology is accessible and equitable for all.