Organized by Dean Elham Emami and Associate Member Samira Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi, the two-day event Integrating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Development of Artificial Intelligence for Better Health and Oral Health Care - EDIAI Pilot Study brought together a diverse group of experts, researchers, and industry professionals. The workshop, held on June 15 and 16 featured dynamic exchanges, group discussions, and interactive exercises aimed at shaping an EDI/AI conceptual framework.
"The context that led us to organize this event was the recognition of the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various aspects of healthcare and society," explained Rahimi, who is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and an Associate Academic Member of Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. "We wanted to explore the intersection of AI and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) to understand the potential implications and opportunities. It is necessary to start thinking about EDI and AI right now because as AI continues to advance and be integrated into various healthcare systems, it has the potential to perpetuate biases, reinforce inequalities, and further marginalize underrepresented groups. By addressing EDI considerations early on, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive AI system for improving healthcare for all populations."
Associate Provost, Equity & Academic Policies Angela Campbell gave the opening remarks for the two-day workshop. Close to 35 participants took part including students, researchers, healthcare professionals, patient representatives, and experts from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Desautels Faculty of Management, and the Departments of Engineering and Computer Science, Family Medicine, Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the RI-MUHC, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, Université de Montréal, Université de Montpellier, the University of Indonesia, Urgences-santé and Aerial Technologies. The workshop fostered a meaningful dialogue about the intersection of AI and EDI in healthcare, and sharing insights and exploring strategies for guiding AI development and implementation through an EDI lens.
The event proved highly successful in generating engaging discussions, exchanging knowledge, and creating networking opportunities among participants. Valuable perspectives and expertise were shared, providing key insights into the challenges faced and potential solutions at the convergence of AI and EDI. The outcomes of the workshop set the stage for continued dialogue, collaboration, and action. "We are pleased with the outcomes of the event," commented Rahimi. "The workshop not only served as a platform to address these critical challenges but also inspired further research, education, and advocacy for policies and practices that promote EDI-sensitive AI systems in healthcare."
Moving forward, the plan is to sustain the momentum generated during the workshop by conducting focused research, promoting education and awareness, and advocating for policies that prioritize EDI considerations in the development of AI systems for healthcare. Co-PIs Samira Rahimi and Dean Emami recently received a $20,000 planning and dissemination grant from the Institute of Population and Public Health of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for the project "Equitable and Inclusive AI for public health and healthcare: Advancing EDI Principles in the lifecycle of AI", with post-doctoral research fellow Milka Nyariro and Faculty members Pascaline Kenge Talla and Amal Idrissi Jamal as co-investigators. By collectively working towards creating inclusive and unbiased AI frameworks, the transformative potential of AI in healthcare can be harnessed for the benefit of all individuals and communities.