Towards abundant intelligences: Considerations for Indigenous perspectives in adopting artificial intelligence technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare are evolving rapidly. The integration of AI into the Canadian healthcare system has demonstrated significant potential for enhancing the efficiency of care and improving patient outcomes. However, as this transformative technology continues to advance, it is crucial to take into account the unique perspectives and requirements of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This article delves into the political, ethical, and practical considerations associated with introducing AI into Indigenous healthcare, emphasizing the paramount importance of equity and inclusion, which are rooted in the Two-Eyed AI framework. It also underscores the significance of co-creating AI technology in collaboration with Indigenous communities and multidisciplinary development teams. To illustrate these principles, this article spotlights an international AI epistemology-focused working group example. Healthcare professionals who engage with AI, whether it be through research, management, development, or leadership are implicated with this contemporary paradigm shift in decolonizing novel AI technology.

Peer-facilitated treatment access for hepatitis C: the Live Hep C Free project.

BACKGROUND: This commentary explores the lessons learned during implementation of a peer-facilitated hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment access project called the Live Hep C Free (LHCF) project in contributing to micro-elimination efforts. CASE PRESENTATION: The LHCF project aims to facilitate access to on-the-spot HCV testing, treatment, and care in priority settings through partnership between a peer worker (PW) and a clinical nurse. Since the start of the project in January 2018, 4515 people were engaged about HCV and encouraged to access on-site HCV health care, and over 1000 people were screened for HCV and liver health, while almost 250 people accessed HCV treatment through the project. This commentary is intended to prompt discussion about incorporating peer-centred HCV health programs into priority sites. HCV care-delivery models such as the LHCF project can continue to contribute to micro-elimination of HCV in key settings to increase treatment uptake amongst high prevalence and/or marginalised populations and support progress toward national elimination targets. CONCLUSIONS: The LHCF project has been able to highlight the benefits of incorporating trustworthy, efficient, and convenient peer-centred health services to engage and support vulnerable populations through HCV testing and treatment, particularly individuals who have historically been disconnected from the health care system. Additional attention is needed to ensure ongoing funding support to sustain the project and deliver at scale and in expanding evaluation data to examine the operation and outcomes of the project in more detail.