Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Dec 2023)
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy Education: Legal and Ethical Challenges
Abstract
Background and purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI), as a novel technology, has a wide range of applications in pharmaceutical education, one of the most important being improving the learning and teaching process. However, using AI in pharmaceutical education requires attention to ethical and legal issues. This review article explores the applications of AI in pharmaceutical education and discusses the legal and ethical challenges associated with its use. Materials and methods: This study reviews the application of AI in pharmaceutical science, particularly its various aspects in teaching pharmacy students. It also describes the legal and ethical challenges of using AI in this field. Results: The most important applications of AI in pharmaceutical education include increased personalization, improved efficiency, and effectiveness of the learning process. Additionally, using virtual assistants and AI chatbots to increase interaction and motivation, speeding up exam processes and grading, and using simulation technologies to enhance laboratory and clinical skills are effective. The most significant ethical challenges in the functioning of AI include inequality, racial discrimination, inaccurate data processing, and more. From a legal perspective, concerns such as insufficient protection of personal information, lack of privacy protection, responsibility, and liability identification mechanisms in case of damage caused by the tool's performance exist. Conclusion: Despite the useful applications of AI in personalized education and increasing efficiency and motivation of pharmacy students, ethical and legal challenges such as privacy protection, elimination of discrimination, intellectual property rights, and transparency in accountability can be addressed to alleviate concerns associated with the use of this new technology.
