Artificial intelligence in medicine: ethical problems of communication between a doctor and a patient

A serious challenge to the patient-oriented model of interaction between doctor and patient is posed by objective circumstances: the constantly increasing number of patients and rising healthcare costs and, therefore, the inability to provide the attention and care necessary for the patient. A likely response to the emerging "crisis of care" in medicine appears to be the use of digital technologies in clinical practice and healthcare organization. In particular, one of the possible options for using the potential of digital technologies in medicine is artificial intelligence systems (hereinafter referred to as AI).The article is devoted to the peculiarities of communication between a doctor and patients in the conditions of using artificial intelligence in clinical practice. The author identifies both the prospects for the introduction of artificial intelligence and difficulties in the process of communication between a doctor and a patient. The purpose of the article is to analyze the mechanism of influence of artificial intelligence on the process of communication between a doctor and a patient, to assess the impact of digital technologies on the basic values that develop in the process of clinical communication – respect for patient autonomy, trust, confidentiality. The main expected positive consequence of the use of AI in medicine is the freeing up of time for direct communication with the patient. However, there is a risk that it will be used to increase patient flow, especially in the commercial medical sector. It is concluded that, despite the widespread use of digital technologies, society remains wary of such innovations, especially when it concerns personal data. As a result, the level of trust and willingness to use AI systems is low. When introducing AI, it is necessary to take into account the feasibility and appropriateness of using these technologies in the provision of medical care, since, along with the effectiveness and accuracy of diagnostic results and treatment, the process of communication with a doctor remains extremely important for the patient, the opportunity to share their medical history and, during this communication, form trust necessary for joint decision-making.