Responsible artifical intelligence in Danish healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become part of everyday life in the Danish healthcare system, where it can relieve the burden on healthcare staff and help improve diagnostics and treatment. However, there are certain ethical challenges associated with the use of AI.
The ethical challenges make it important to prepare thoroughly before the technology is adopted and allowed to influence healthcare practice.
Aim
From late 2025, AI will become an integral part of the breast cancer screening process in the Region of Southern Denmark. Previously, two radiologists had to review the screening images; moving forward, however, AI will play a role in the process alongside the physicians.
The project comprises three parts:
- An examination of patients' values and perspectives regarding AI in the context of breast cancer screening, which is offered to all women over the age of 50.
- An analysis of how AI affects the responsibilities and professional judgment of healthcare professionals.
- The development of guidelines and tools to support interdisciplinary teams of clinicians and AI developers in creating ethically sound AI solutions.
Partners
- Center for AI Ethics, University of Southern Denmark
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, OUH
- Department of Radiology, OUH
Funding
The project has received approximately 3.7 million DKK in funding from Independent Research Fund Denmark, case number 5334-00024B.

Anne Gerdes
Professor
University of Southern Denmark, Department of Design, Media, and Educational Sciences
(+45) 6550 1323 gerdes@sdu.dk
Benjamin Schnack Rasmussen
Head of Clinical Research - Professor, Senior Physician
Centre for Clinical Artificial Intelligence (CAI-X). Odense University Hospital, Department of Radiology
(+45) 2434 1749 benjamin.rasmussen@rsyd.dk
Frederik Duedahl
MD, PhD Student
Odense University Hospital, Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery
frederik.duedahl@rsyd.dk