CLIAS-CIIPS Technical Documents and Reports

This technical document, produced by the Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies (CIIPS) of the Institute for Clinical and Health Effectiveness (IECS), focuses on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on healthcare in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It provides an exploratory analysis of the current state of AI implementation in the region, identifying challenges and opportunities. The document highlights the heterogeneity and fragmentation of AI projects in LAC, mainly concentrated at the meso and micro-management levels. The absence of AI governance, regulations, and electronic health records are among the major barriers faced. However, there is growing interest and investment in AI by healthcare providers and technology companies, suggesting potential for future development. The importance of AI education for healthcare professionals, research to drive innovation, and the collaborative role of tools like ChatGPT in supporting the healthcare system are discussed. Overall, the document concludes that AI in healthcare in LAC is in an early stage of maturity, with ample opportunities for improvement through collaboration and the adoption of policies and regulations to facilitate integration and sustainable development in the region.

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In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), significant disparities exist both between and within countries, particularly in the realm of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Maternal Health (SRMH). These disparities manifest as gaps in access to essential services for preventing unintended pregnancies, contraception, maternal and newborn health, comprehensive sexual education, and HIV and STI prevention, among others. Vulnerable groups, such as economically disadvantaged women, youth, those with limited education, and rural residents, face the most significant challenges in accessing these services.
Furthermore, marginalized populations, including indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and migrants, often encounter discrimination and stigma, further hindering their health rights and access to care. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated when multiple factors intersect. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can advance SRMH towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in LAC; however, it must be implemented with caution. AI strategies must address technical, ethical, political, regulatory, and human resource challenges. In addition, promoting the active participation of women and minority groups in the research and development of these solutions is crucial to ensure equitable implementation.

This technical document explores the current SRMH landscape in LAC, emphasizing Universal Health Coverage principles: equitable access, quality care, and accountability. It also delves into the potential of artificial intelligence solutions in SRMH, acknowledging their promise but also the challenges they pose.

Download PDF | https://doi.org/10.48060/tghn.126

The relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare domain and ethics is a topic of growing interest and debate. AI is defined as the field of study and development of systems and technologies capable of simulating human intelligence to carry out complex tasks autonomously [1]. In the context of healthcare, AI has become a promising tool with the potential to improve diagnosis, treatment, and disease management, as well as the analysis of large-scale medical and health data. However, the application of AI in healthcare poses a series of ethical challenges that must be addressed carefully and thoughtfully. The main issues to consider are the associated risks, primarily related to data handling and protection, as well as the biases that could occur or worsen, placing minorities from various backgrounds at a disadvantage and exacerbating existing disparities, such as those related to gender and others. Throughout this document, the concept of ethics and its associated principles are defined; the role of ethics in AI solutions is discussed; what biases are and why they are so important in the development of AI models, especially in the healthcare field, and finally, the document addresses, with examples, the application of ethical principles throughout the lifecycle of AI-based solutions: problem selection and definition, planning and design, development and validation, deployment and implementation, and operation and monitoring 

Download PDF | https://doi.org/10.48060/tghn.126

According to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the majority of interventions in sexual and reproductive health are cost-effective. Reducing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, preventing HIV and STI infections, providing affordable contraceptive methods, and offering sexual health counseling are sustainable, low-cost interventions. If investments in sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries are increased and sustained, huge benefits can be achieved. For instance, family planning enables women to reach higher levels of education 9 and a better balance between family and work. Prenatal care and obstetric services protect the health of the mother and child. Comprehensive Sexual Education is a fundamental resource for empowering young people to make informed and responsible decisions and avoiding unintended pregnancies and STIs. The convergence between the health sector and technology offers the possibility of leveraging innovative and cost-effective platforms to strengthen local and global capacities, maximizing many of the interventions mentioned above. In recent years, the exponential growth of digital data, the implementation of health information systems, the increase in computing capacity, and advances in programming and coding of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have driven digital transformation initiatives. AI offers a wide variety of applications, including machine learning, natural language processing, understanding and generation, speech analysis, conversational virtual agents (chatbots), robotics, and many other tools. These tools can overcome certain limitations by providing efficient and accessible healthcare and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health. However, as mentioned in CLIAS's Technical Document 1, in the region, the development of AI in the health sector is still at an exploratory stage, meaning that the criteria for a truly integrated ecosystem are not yet met. This creates challenges in terms of integration and implementation of strategies aimed at covering priority health needs and strengthening health access. This document aims to survey and analyze the applications of artificial intelligence tools in the fields of sexual health, reproductive health, and maternal health in Latin America and the Caribbean through an exploratory literature review.The relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare domain and ethics is a topic of growing interest and debate. AI is defined as the field of study and development of systems and technologies capable of simulating human intelligence to carry out complex tasks autonomously.

Download PDF | https://doi.org/10.48060/tghn.126