The article Embedded ethics: a proposal for integrating ethics into the development of medical AI proposes a model for incorporating ethical analysis directly into the research and development process of artificial intelligence used in healthcare. The authors argue that existing AI ethics guidelines often remain too abstract and detached from the practical realities of system design and implementation.
Scientific paper - Embedded ethics: a proposal for integrating ethics into the development of medical AI
Anno 2022
The paper introduces the concept of embedded ethics, an approach that integrates ethicists into multidisciplinary research teams working on AI technologies. Rather than treating ethics as an external evaluation conducted after a system is developed, the approach aims to incorporate ethical reflection continuously throughout the development lifecycle.
The proposed model includes several practical elements intended to operationalise ethical reflection within AI development teams:
Integration of ethicists within research teams
Ethicists work alongside engineers, clinicians, and data scientists as part of the development process rather than acting as external advisors.
Continuous ethical evaluation
Ethical questions are addressed throughout the AI lifecycle, including during data collection, model design, validation, and deployment.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
The framework emphasises collaboration between technical experts, healthcare professionals, social scientists, and ethicists to address the complex social and clinical implications of AI systems.
Context-sensitive analysis
Ethical assessments are tailored to the specific clinical context in which an AI system will be used, recognising that risks and values may vary across healthcare settings.
The embedded ethics approach requires organisational and cultural changes within AI research environments. The authors highlight several conditions that support effective implementation:
- institutional support for interdisciplinary collaboration
- recognition of ethics as a core component of AI research
- ongoing dialogue between technical and ethical expertise
- iterative evaluation of ethical implications during development
Through these mechanisms, the approach seeks to transform ethics from a reactive compliance exercise into an integral part of technological design.
By embedding ethical expertise within AI development teams, the framework aims to bridge the gap between high-level ethical principles and the practical realities of building AI systems for healthcare.
Author of the paper: Stuart McLennan, Amelia Fiske, Daniel Tigard, Ruth Müller, Sami Haddadin and Alena Buyx.
Publisher or journal of publication: BMC Medical Ethics.
The paper is available at the following link.
Mónica Cano Abadía, BBMRI
Pubblicato il: Sabato, 01 Gennaio 2022 - Ultima modifica: Mercoledì, 06 Maggio 2026
