Algorithmic identification of persons with dementia for research recruitment: ethical considerations
January 10, 2024
Algorithms using patient information associated with dementia can be used to help identify people with the condition who are not yet diagnosed. In this article, authors, Alex London, PhD, Jason Karlawish, MD, Emily Largent, PhD, JD, RN, Spencer Hey, PhD, and Ellen McCarthy, MD, MPH, describe six ethical issues associated with the use of such algorithms including the generation of new, sensitive, identifiable medical information for research purposes without participant consent, issues of justice and equity, risk, and ethical communication. The article concludes with a discussion of strategies for addressing these considerations and prompting valuable research.