7 Key Pitfalls to Avoid When Using AI in Healthcare

The 8th edition of the Assises de l’eSanté, organized by Vivalia and the Province of Luxembourg, recently brought together nearly 400 participants to examine the practical integration of artificial intelligence in patient care. As these technologies become more prevalent, experts are highlighting a growing gap between current medical practices and the regulatory frameworks governing them.

Dr. Tatiana Revenco, an expert in health data protection and Matteo Capriulo, an attorney at the Brussels Bar and researcher at the UMONS, identified seven critical pitfalls that healthcare providers and institutions must avoid to remain compliant, and ethical. These include the improper use of public LLMs with sensitive patient data, the misinterpretation of regulatory requirements like the AI Act and GDPR, and the failure to maintain continuous staff training.

Did You Know? Dr. Tatiana Revenco suggests that healthcare providers can proactively manage transparency by posting information in waiting rooms to notify patients that artificial intelligence is utilized in their care process.

The Necessity of Human Oversight

The potential for AI to assist in diagnostics, analysis, and comparison is widely acknowledged, yet experts warn that it must never replace human judgment. Pr. Christian Melot, vice-president of the French-speaking section of the National Order of Physicians, emphasized that AI tools can produce responses that are coherent but factually incorrect.

Professional standards mandate that any information generated by an AI must be systematically verified by a qualified professional. Patients maintain the right to refuse the use of AI in their medical journey, a choice that practitioners are obligated to respect.

Expert Insight: The rapid adoption of AI in clinical settings creates a significant shift in the doctor-patient relationship. As legal and ethical boundaries solidify, practitioners who fail to integrate transparent communication and rigorous human validation into their workflows may face increasing liability. The transition from technical innovation to patient-centered care requires a fundamental change in how clinicians address patient concerns about data usage and automated decision-making.

Empowering the Patient

To bridge the gap in understanding, experts are encouraging patients to take an active role in their care by asking clarifying questions. Patients are advised to inquire if AI is involved in their treatment, how decisions are reached, how their personal data is handled, and what options exist if they choose to opt out of AI-assisted care.

L'IA dans le quotidien de nos patients | 8e édition des Assises de l'eSanté | 21 mai 2026 | 18H

Looking ahead, institutions may need to formalize these communication strategies as standard practice. As regulatory scrutiny increases, healthcare organizations that prioritize transparency and continuous education are more likely to successfully navigate the complexities of AI integration while maintaining patient trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the primary risks associated with using AI in a medical setting?
Key risks include the use of public AI tools with sensitive patient information, failing to properly inform patients about AI usage, signing automated reports without human review, and failing to distinguish between GDPR requirements and the AI Act.

Can a patient refuse to have AI used in their care?
Yes. According to Pr. Christian Melot, a patient has the right to refuse the use of AI in their medical care, and this refusal must be respected by the practitioner.

What steps can doctors take to improve transparency regarding AI?
Experts recommend using clear communication, such as notices in waiting areas, and being prepared to answer specific patient questions regarding how AI influences their treatment, who makes final decisions, and how their data is protected.

Have you had the opportunity to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in your personal healthcare experience with your physician?