Ethical considerations and concerns in the implementation of AI in pharmacy practice: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Pharmacy professionals in the MENA region express significant ethical concerns about integrating AI into pharmacy practice. Key ethical considerations for AI highlighted in the current study include the privacy of patient data, AI replacing non-specialized pharmacists, and a lack of legal regulation. Tech-savviness and basic understanding of AI are positively correlated with higher ethical concerns. Informed consent as a vital part of autonomy, beneficence, and justice are crucial ethical principles in the adoption of AI in pharmacy. Collaboration, education, and ethical frameworks are essential for the responsible use of AI in pharmacy practice. Background Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has raised significant ethical concerns. In pharmacy practice, AI offers promising advances but also poses ethical challenges. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in countries from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on 501 pharmacy professionals. A 12-item online questionnaire assessed ethical concerns related to the adoption of AI in pharmacy practice. Demographic factors associated with ethical concerns were analyzed via SPSS v.27 software using appropriate statistical tests. Results Participants expressed concerns about patient data privacy (58.9%), cybersecurity threats (58.9%), potential job displacement (62.9%), and lack of legal regulation (67.0%). Tech-savviness and basic AI understanding were correlated with higher concern scores ( p <…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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