Medical experts have released a consensus statement on the use of artificial intelligence in endoscopy, emphasising both the promise of AI tools and the need for careful oversight. AI systems are increasingly being used to assist with procedures like colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy by helping detect lesions, polyps, and abnormalities with high sensitivity — potentially improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes.
However, the consensus group warns that integrating AI into clinical workflows must prioritise patient privacy and data protection. Because these systems rely on large datasets of medical images and clinical information, strict safeguards are needed to prevent misuse or unauthorised access to sensitive health data. Ensuring that AI tools comply with relevant privacy standards is seen as foundational to maintaining trust between patients, clinicians, and technology providers.
Another major focus of the statement is algorithmic bias and fairness. Experts highlight that if training data lack diversity — for example, underrepresenting certain demographic groups — AI models may perform unevenly across populations. This could lead to disparities in detection accuracy and health outcomes, especially for historically underserved communities. The consensus encourages developers to use diverse, high‑quality datasets and to assess performance across demographic subgroups during validation.
The statement also stresses that AI should augment, not replace, clinical judgment. While tools can flag findings and suggest interpretations, final decisions must remain with trained clinicians who understand the broader clinical context. Robust ongoing evaluation, multidisciplinary oversight, and transparent reporting are all recommended to ensure that AI in endoscopy enhances safety, efficacy, and equity in patient care.
