How Does AI Impact Vulnerable Patient Populations?

Author: Rasit Dinc

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for improving diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. However, the integration of AI into healthcare also raises significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable patient populations. These populations, which include individuals with low socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are already at a higher risk of experiencing health disparities. The introduction of AI technologies could either ameliorate or exacerbate these existing inequalities. This article explores the dual impact of AI on vulnerable patient populations, examining both its potential benefits and the inherent risks, while also discussing the ethical considerations and the path forward to ensure equitable healthcare for all.

The Promise of AI in Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations

AI holds the potential to be a powerful tool in mitigating health disparities and improving access to care for vulnerable populations. AI-enabled technologies can play a prominent role in increasing access to care for underserved communities by leveraging telemedicine, real-time remote monitoring, and personalized care technologies [1]. By analyzing large datasets, AI can enhance diagnostics, strengthen early disease detection, and help design personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, AI can help address health disparities by detecting and mitigating biases in healthcare datasets, algorithms, and care delivery models that do not accurately reflect the needs of the community [2].

The Perils of AI in Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations

Despite its promise, the use of AI in healthcare also presents significant risks that could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. One of the most pressing concerns is algorithmic bias. AI models are trained on large datasets, and if these datasets do not accurately represent the diversity of the population, the resulting algorithms can perpetuate and even amplify existing health disparities. For example, studies have identified AI models that require patients of color to present with more severe symptoms than white patients to receive equivalent diagnoses or treatments [2].

Data privacy is another major concern, as vulnerable populations may be more susceptible to exploitation of their health information. Moreover, the digital divide remains a significant barrier. Many vulnerable individuals lack access to high-speed internet and the necessary devices to benefit from AI-powered healthcare solutions, further widening the gap in healthcare access and quality [2].

Ethical Considerations and the Path Forward

To harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes prioritizing the development of inclusive and representative datasets for training AI models. Collaboration between developers, healthcare professionals, and diverse patient populations is crucial to co-design strategies that align technologies with the needs of underserved communities [2].

Furthermore, there is a need for robust governance frameworks and policies that ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI in healthcare. This includes regulations that mandate transparency and explainability of AI algorithms, as well as mechanisms for accountability when errors or biases occur. Investing in digital literacy and infrastructure is also essential to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to benefit from AI-powered healthcare [3].

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and address long-standing health disparities. However, without careful consideration and proactive measures, it also has the potential to deepen existing inequalities and harm vulnerable patient populations. To ensure that AI is a force for good in healthcare, it is imperative that we prioritize equity and inclusivity in its design, development, and deployment. By working together, we can harness the power of AI to create a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.

References

[1] Li, D. M., Parikh, S., & Costa, A. (2025). A critical look into artificial intelligence and healthcare disparities. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 8, 1545869. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2025.1545869

[2] Turner Lee, N., Simmons, M., & Crawford, M. (2025, March 3). Health and AI: Advancing responsible and ethical AI for all communities. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/health-and-ai-advancing-responsible-and-ethical-ai-for-all-communities/

[3] Onuh, G. (2025, October 1). AI in healthcare risks could exclude 5 billion people; here’s what we can do about it. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/ai-in-healthcare-risks-could-exclude-5-billion-people-here-s-what-we-can-do-about-it/