In her second article on this topic, Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive at The Care Workers’ Charity outlines the findings of their recent roundtable discussion around the ethics of AI in social care, from a care worker’s perspective.
In the last edition I shared details of a pivotal roundtable discussion that we organised in partnership with Oxford University to address the ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social care. This event gathered 21 care workers and researchers to draft much-needed guidance for the sector, focusing on ethical and safe AI use. Recognising the invaluable insights of those on the frontline, the participants were treated as experts and compensated for their time and expertise, with accommodation and expenses fully covered. This collaboration acknowledges that frontline workers possess crucial knowledge about the sector’s needs and challenges. Here, I will share more insights from the roundtable, delving further into the possibilities presented by AI, its practical applications, and ethical considerations.
The social care sector is calling out for guidelines for AI usage. The lack of established policies can lead to inconsistency and uncertainty, potentially affecting the quality of care provided. As part of work being done at Oxford University, we partnered with them to initiate this roundtable, signaling a proactive effort to tackle ethical issues and ensure safe AI integration in social care.
Data protection emerged as a significant concern during the discussions. The sensitive nature of data in social care, especially concerning individuals with unique conditions, necessitates strong safety measures. Even anonymised data can sometimes inadvertently reveal identities, making privacy a top priority. Moreover, once data enters AI systems, retrieving or deleting it can be challenging, underscoring the need for robust privacy controls in any ethical AI framework.
The issue of liability—both personal and organisational—was another critical topic. Care workers emphasised the need for clear policies detailing the responsibilities of both organisations and individual staff members. It is essential to establish shared responsibility frameworks that protect staff who adhere to guidelines but may still face challenges. This clarity ensures that care workers feel supported and are not unfairly blamed for systemic issues. Additionally, providing work devices for AI tool usage is crucial to avoid privacy and security risks associated with using personal devices.
AI offers practical applications in social care, such as assisting non-mobile service users through devices like Alexa and reducing paperwork with generative AI. However, the group discussed how it is vital to view AI as an aid rather than a replacement for human judgment. The suggestions generated by AI should always be cross-verified with the care recipient, their family, and medical professionals. Awareness of AI’s limitations and potential biases was seen as key to its ethical and effective use.
Informed consent is a critical aspect of ethical AI implementation. Care recipients must be informed if AI tools are part of their care, and care staff should know if their actions are being recorded. Transparency regarding how data is stored, used, and its retention period is essential. Regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can provide valuable guidance, ensuring that AI supports care workers and providers in meeting regulatory standards.
The importance of providing paid training on AI usage was strongly highlighted. This training should be comprehensive, encompassing all staff including those on zero-hour contracts. Different roles may require varying levels of training, but a foundational understanding of AI is essential for everyone. The group suggested standardised basic AI training should be incorporated into care certification.
This guidance has been drafted into a Care Workers’ Guidance and Statement of Expectations on the Responsible use of AI, Particularly Generative AI, in Adult Social Care. It includes sections detailing expectations for employers, developers, policymakers, and regulators, as well as guidance for peers considering AI use. This statement will be officially launched during Professional Care Workers Week at the “Future of AI in the Sector” session. For more information and to participate, visit thecareworkerscharity.org.uk/pcww2024/
@KGerlich777 @CareWorkersFund
thecareworkerscharity.org.uk
