TOEFL Reading Practice #7
Instruction: Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by improving diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks, and personalizing treatment plans. However, the integration of AI into healthcare raises critical ethical concerns. These issues must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized without compromising patient rights and safety.
One ethical concern is data privacy. AI systems rely on vast amounts of personal medical data to function effectively. While this data can lead to breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment, it also poses risks if mishandled. Unauthorized access or breaches can expose sensitive patient information, leading to distrust in AI-based healthcare solutions.
Another concern involves algorithmic bias. AI models are trained on datasets that may not represent the diversity of the population. For example, an algorithm trained primarily on data from European populations may not perform as accurately for patients of other ethnicities. This bias can lead to unequal treatment outcomes and exacerbate existing health disparities.
Accountability is another critical issue. In traditional healthcare, medical errors can often be traced to a specific individual or process. With AI, determining responsibility for errors becomes more complex. Who is at fault if an AI system makes an incorrect diagnosis—the developer, the hospital, or the user?
Despite these challenges, AI holds immense potential to improve healthcare access and quality. By automating routine tasks, AI allows healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. Moreover, predictive models can identify high-risk patients and prevent adverse outcomes. Addressing the ethical challenges of AI requires collaborative efforts between technologists, policymakers, and medical professionals to create regulations that balance innovation with accountability.
1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?
2. What is one ethical concern mentioned in the passage?
3. According to the passage, how can algorithmic bias affect healthcare?
4. What does the word “accountability” in paragraph 4 most nearly mean?
5. How does AI benefit healthcare professionals, according to the passage?
6. What does the passage suggest as a solution to the ethical challenges of AI in healthcare?
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