Written by Mina Yu, CRHESI Student Collective, Community Engaged Learning placement, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Western University

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly transformed healthcare. Its applications—from improving diagnostic accuracy and resource allocation to streamlining workflows—promise to revolutionize patient care. AI’s potential to reduce human error, anticipate healthcare needs, and optimize management of chronic diseases paints an optimistic picture of timely, equitable healthcare. However, beneath its transformative capabilities lies a critical challenge: algorithmic bias.

AI, lauded for its potential to minimize human biases and inconsistencies, often inherits the same inequities embedded in healthcare systems. When trained on homogeneous datasets or data that over-represent privileged groups, AI systems perpetuate existing biases, undermining efforts to address systemic disparities. For instance, a review by Celi et al. (2022) revealed that most clinical AI models are built on datasets from middle- and high-income countries, especially the U.S. and China. When the relationships within data sources used to train AI models differ from those in the populations where these models are deployed, the resulting outputs are often inaccurate. This mismatch restricts the effectiveness of AI systems, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities, including but not limited to those in lower-income countries. Consequently, AI-driven interventions are systematically misaligned with the needs of these individuals and groups, resulting in inappropriate or inaccessible care. Rather than reducing disparities, this failure to provide suitable care exacerbates existing inequities.

One striking example involves an AI algorithm used by insurance companies to predict healthcare needs. A 2021 study (NIHCM Foundation) found that while Black patients were significantly sicker than their white counterparts, both groups were assigned similar risk scores. This bias stemmed from the algorithm’s reliance on past healthcare expenditures—a metric influenced by systemic inequities in access and treatment. Because Black patients, for structural and systemic reasons, typically receive less care despite generally experiencing worse health outcomes, their needs are inaccurately assessed. This perpetuates a harmful cycle of unmet healthcare needs, declining individual health, and widening disparities in health outcomes between populations.

For Canada, algorithmic bias intersects with the digital divide, disproportionately affecting rural, remote, and Indigenous Peoples, who are more likely that non-Indigenous people to live in remote Northern communities. This highlights gaps in socioeconomic and demographic factors, limiting these groups’ ability to benefit from AI advancements. Researchers like Anawati et al. (2024) emphasize that AI and machine learning literature is only beginning to address the absence of diversity in training data, and the real-world impacts on the health and well-being of groups already facing marginalization.

AI offers incredible promise, but its true potential lies in fostering equity, not reinforcing disparity. To bridge these gaps, recalibrating the fundamental assumptions of AI systems is essential. Incorporating diverse datasets from underserved groups and regions can help mitigate bias and extend AI’s benefits to marginalized populations. Ultimately, for AI to truly revolutionize healthcare, its development must be inclusive, addressing not just technical challenges but also the societal inequities that shape healthcare outcomes.

References

Anawati, A., Fleming, H., Mertz, M., Bertrand, J., Dumond, J., Myles, S., et al. (2024). Artificial intelligence and social accountability in the Canadian health care landscape: A rapid literature review. PLOS Digit Health, 3(9): e0000597. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000597 

Celi, L.A., Cellini, J., Charpignon, M.L., Dee, E.C., Dernoncourt, F., Eber, R., et al. (2022). Sources of bias in artificial intelligence that perpetuate healthcare disparities—A global review. PLOS Digital Health, 1(3): e0000022.  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000022 

Igoe, K.J. (n.d.). Algorithmic Bias in Health Care Exacerbates Social Inequities — How to Prevent It. Artificial Intelligence and Technology. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ecpe/how-to-prevent-algorithmic-bias-in-health-care/     

Johns Hopkins. (2023, May 02). How Health Care Algorithms and AI Can Help and Harm. Retrieved from https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/how-health-care-algorithms-and-ai-can-help-and-harm 

Morales, K. (2022, January 5). Can Artificial Intelligence Help Increase Diversity in STEM? CSUF News. https://news.fullerton.edu/2022/01/can-artificial-intelligence-help-increase-diversity-in-stem/    

NIHCM Foundation. (2021, Sept 30). Racial Bias in Health Care Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://nihcm.org/publications/artificial-intelligences-racial-bias-in-health-care

Panch, T., Mattie, H., Atun, R. (2019). Artificial intelligence and algorithmic bias: implications for health systems. J Glob Health, 9(2):020318. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.09.020318 

Written by Mina Yu, CRHESI Student Collective, Community Engaged Learning placement, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Western University

In 2024, the City of London launched the Stop Tolerhating campaign in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) and over 60 local organizations. This initiative aims to confront hate, racism, and other forms of discrimination and stigma through City-wide education, collaboration and empowerment activities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

During an interview with Zahra, Project Coordinator for the Anti-Hate Project, Stop Tolerhating, from the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Division, City of London, involved in the campaign’s development and pilot launch, their passion for this project was obvious. Zahra shared that their personal experiences navigating discrimination inspired them to be a part of this initiative. “There’s so much power in starting something in your own community,” Zahra explained, emphasizing their commitment to making resources and support accessible to those facing hate and its impacts.

The campaign employs a multi-pronged approach, blending transformative media strategies, public education, and direct engagement with equity-denied communities. Guided by principles of intersectionality, the campaign is based on the knowledge that individuals often experience discrimination through overlapping identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.

The campaign’s collaborative nature is one of its greatest strengths. It draws insights from equity-denied groups—including Black, Indigenous, Muslim, and LGBTQIA+ communities—through one-on-one conversations, surveys, and guided data-sharing sessions. Zahra described how these conversations revealed unique challenges, such as the lack of resources for Indigenous health in rural areas and the rise of online hate targeting Muslim communities. These insights directly shaped the development of educational content and resources for the campaign, ensuring relevance and impact.

The campaign also addresses broader audiences through its accessible website and social media presence. The website is designed to provide quick, easy access to crisis hotlines, anti-racism education, and tools for fostering anti-racist practices for individuals and organizations in the health, social services, business and educational sectors. Social media platforms amplify these resources and provide posts that inspire reflection by presenting educational content in an approachable way.

This Stop Tolerhating team recognizes the challenges of combating hate, ranging from resistance by individuals who deny the existence or severity of discrimination to those who refuse to change—particularly when they are not directly impacted or perceive advantages in maintaining the status quo. However, Zahra emphasized the importance of grounding the campaign in facts and meaningful engagement. “We’ve received a mix of feedback, but seeing how it resonates with the community makes it worth it.”

As Stop Tolerhating evolves, the campaign will continue adapting to emerging challenges and societal needs, such as the rise of anti-Asian racism post-COVID-19. With this flexibility, the campaign remains dynamic, responsive, and rooted in its mission to build a more inclusive London. The ultimate reward is fostering a city where diversity is celebrated, and hate is no longer tolerated. The passion and leadership of those involved in this project are the driving forces behind this transformative initiative.

Together, CRHESI, the City of London, and their collaborators are proving that tackling hate requires bold strategies, sustained commitment, and the collective voices of a diverse community.

The 4th Annual Black Excellence Gala & Awards, hosted by the W.E.A.N Community Centre, is set to be an inspiring celebration of Black entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. This event will honor the outstanding achievements and resilience of Black-owned businesses, showcasing their contributions and success in the face of challenges over the years.

Since its inception, the Black Excellence Gala has partnered with the London Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support for Black entrepreneurs. The event not only recognizes the accomplishments of Black men and women in business but also includes a category to honor Black 2SLGBTQIA entrepreneurs, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the community.

In addition to acknowledging business success, the Gala will highlight humanitarian efforts and present the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community through their dedication and leadership.

The Black Excellence Gala is a significant event that underscores the power, innovation, and perseverance within the Black business community. By honoring these entrepreneurs, the event encourages continued growth and success while inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

For those interested in attending and celebrating Black excellence, more information and tickets are available here.

Western University is hosting a public lecture titled “Unwrapping the Mummy: Physical Therapies and Managing Patient Wellbeing in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Room 3120, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Building.

Robin Baker, PhD, an expert in ancient Near Eastern civilizations, will explore early health practices, including neurorehabilitation and musculoskeletal treatments. Learn how ancient techniques relate to modern physical therapy.

Everyone is welcome to attend!