On 22 April 2026, AI-PROGNOSIS research was presented at Medtech Science & Innovation Day 2026, organised by the Uppsala MedTech Science & Innovation Centre (MTSI) at the University Main Building in Uppsala, Sweden.

This year’s event focused on “The shift towards a more preventive healthcare system – from healthcare needs to research and innovation in early diagnostics and Medtech”. The conference brought together academic researchers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, innovation support organisations, public sector actors and funding agencies to discuss how research and innovation can support more preventive, efficient and sustainable healthcare.

During the event, the study “Balancing Hope and Harm: A Qualitative Exploration of Ethical Aspects of Using AI in Parkinson’s Disease” was presented. The study explores ethical considerations related to the use of artificial intelligence in Parkinson’s disease management from the perspective of people with Parkinson’s.

The findings show that people with Parkinson’s viewed AI with both optimism and caution. Participants felt that AI could support autonomy and beneficence by providing personalised and actionable insights for people with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals. At the same time, concerns were raised regarding patient involvement, model accuracy, privacy, ethical injustices and the potential psychological impact of AI-generated predictions.

The study also highlights that different AI applications, such as risk prediction, prognosis and medication response prediction, may raise different ethical considerations. Risk prediction was perceived as particularly complex. To support autonomy, participants considered it important that AI-generated insights are accessible to patients, while sensitive information should be communicated by healthcare professionals who recognise individual differences in how people wish to receive and respond to such predictions.

Overall, the findings underline the importance of developing AI solutions that prioritise individual needs, actively involve people with Parkinson’s, and include ethical safeguards to help avoid patient harm and prevent widening inequalities.

The presentation contributed to the wider discussions at MTSI Day 2026 on how medical technologies, early diagnostics and responsible innovation can support the shift towards a more preventive healthcare system.

Read the preprint “Balancing Hope and Harm: A Qualitative Exploration of Ethical Aspects of Using AI in Parkinson’s Disease”