ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into public health practice, offering new tools for surveillance, behavioral interventions, disease prevention, risk communication, and population health management. Although AI demonstrates promise for earlier disease detection, improved intervention targeting, and cost-effective augmentation of limited public health capacity, many tools are being deployed amid fragmented regulatory frameworks, validation standards, and equity safeguards that govern other health interventions. Consequently, AI can introduce significant ethical, operational, and equity-related risks.

ABSTRACT

Generation Patient, a global advocacy organization led by young adults with chronic and rare medical conditions, convened a Roundtable in December 2025 to explore the potential and realized impacts of increased AI use in patient care. Across two hours, fifteen participants with a blend of lived, scholarly, and professional expertise engaged in a semi-structured focus group on the benefits and drawbacks of using AI to meet their healthcare needs within and beyond the clinic. Reflexive thematic analysis of the Roundtable transcript shed light on AI's promise to ease the administrative and emotional burden for young adults with complex conditions transitioning into adult care.