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What data types are available in the healthcare sector, and how do we approach their processing? These were some of the questions addressed at the RUTEALC conference "AI Adoption in Health in Latin America and the Caribbean," held on May 29.

Dr. Juan Velázquez and Dr. Epson Amaro Jr., experts in medicine and AI use, were key speakers at this event.

Dr. Velázquez, a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Chile, emphasized the importance of AI solutions being technically sound, legal, and ethically responsible. He highlighted that AI is not just a future possibility but an imminent reality that requires collaboration across various disciplines, including law, to protect people's fundamental rights.

On the other hand, Dr. Epson Amaro Jr., a faculty member in the Department of Radiology at the University of São Paulo's School of Medicine, stressed the need to consider population diversity in health data processing. He noted that much of the available data is biased, and incorrect records still exist. He emphasized the importance of continuous experimentation and involving serious professionals in developing AI solutions to avoid long-term problems.

Both experts agreed that it is important to address the ethical, legal, and technical challenges of using AI in healthcare, as well as the need to promote equity and consider the cultural and gender diversity of populations.

During his presentation, Velázquez highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, which goes beyond engineering and data science and involves legal aspects aimed at protecting fundamental human rights. He emphasized that artificial intelligence requires managing and organizing data and algorithms so that doctors can make informed decisions.

The medical field relies on the quality of stored and processed data for various applications, including new drug research, genetic analysis, and clinical service delivery. Velázquez exemplified this with DNA, digital medical records, and the impact of the environment on health, stressing the importance of these records being accessible and shared among different systems to ensure interoperability.

Furthermore, he noted that the future of medicine will focus on maintaining health and adopting a participatory approach in which patients are actively involved in their care. This consists in using smart devices to monitor health and share data with doctors, allowing for predictive and preventive medicine, anticipating future health issues, and preventing diseases.

On the other hand, Dr. Joao highlighted that replicating scientific results and fully understanding diseases are still challenges. He stressed the importance of continuous experimentation and involving serious professionals in developing AI solutions to avoid long-term problems. He emphasized the bias in real-world data, the need for sustainability, the accuracy of records, and rigorous scientific research to foster advancement in this field.

A comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence in health is critical for society's sustainable development. RUTE-ALC plays a vital role in this process by promoting collaboration and ethical practices when using these technologies. Its focus on training, research, and dissemination drives innovative solutions, ensuring equity and the protection of fundamental rights.

This webinar is part of the RUTE-AL series, which aims to promote interregional collaboration in health and telemedicine.

The webinar is available on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZR1uPxMq6M.

To learn more about the RUTE-AL webinar series and other presentations, visit: https://redclara.net/es/noticiasyeventos/noticias/8535-ciclo-de-webinars-de-rute-al-busca-impulsar-la-colaboracion-interregional-en-salud-y-telemedicina.