Using human factors methods to mitigate bias in artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support

Objectives: To highlight the often overlooked role of user interface (UI) design in mitigating bias in artificial intelligence (AI)-based clinical decision support (CDS).

Materials and methods: This perspective paper discusses the interdependency between AI-based algorithm development and UI design and proposes strategies for increasing the safety and efficacy of CDS.

Results: The role of design in biasing user behavior is well documented in behavioral economics and other disciplines. We offer an example of how UI designs play a role in how bias manifests in our machine learning-based CDS development.

Discussion: Much discussion on bias in AI revolves around data quality and algorithm design; less attention is given to how UI design can exacerbate or mitigate limitations of AI-based applications.

Conclusion: This work highlights important considerations including the role of UI design in reinforcing/mitigating bias, human factors methods for identifying issues before an application is released, and risk communication strategies.