In August and September, forum members covered a lot of bioethics territory. Topics were wide ranging: from innovations like stem-cell based embryo models and clinical decision support software systems to nature relatedness research.
The authors of the automation bias paper about decision support software are planning a webinar through Columbia University and including the AI and Ethics (Springer) editor in the panel discussion, tentatively scheduled for November 13. David Hoffman was asked to write a chapter for an edited edition based on the connection through this to the AI and Ethics editor-in-chief, an example of how the forum enables opportunity.
Members have a robust interest in mental health chatbots and therapy AI. They have formed a working group to lay out research interests with an eye to write an article for publication.
In September, the pain scale was the hot topic. Would it be possible to petition the Joint Commission to end the requirement of its use? Issues batted around included whether any pain scale is necessary, whether research derived from it can be objective, whom it benefits (pharma!), how pain is contextualized and treated in the United States compared to elsewhere, and whether people can be better prepared for post-surgical pain (managing expectations).
To apply to join the forum, email ahz5@columbia.edu.
Innovative Bioethics Forum 
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