As more Americans integrate artificial intelligence into their daily lives, more of them are turning to AI chatbots for health-related questions, according to recent studies.
In a cozy living room, a person holds a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT app, with a warm red blanket in the background. A recent survey indicates that about 17% of adults now consult AI for medical guidance every month. This statistic highlights a significant shift in the way individuals seek health information.
Susan Sheridan, 64, cofounder of a patient safety group, has seen firsthand the practical applications of AI in healthcare. Initially unfamiliar with ChatGPT, her first interaction was driven by urgent health concerns. She was experiencing significant facial discomfort and other symptoms that puzzled both her and her husband. Despite a long drive to the hospital and a visit that ended with her returning home without a definitive diagnosis, her problems persisted.
Turning to ChatGPT in frustration, she received a suggestion that her symptoms might indicate Bell’s Palsy. This led to another hospital visit where the diagnosis was confirmed and she was given immediate treatment, which resulted in significant improvement.
Sheridan’s story highlights a growing trend in which individuals, often disillusioned with conventional medical encounters, are seeking AI for a second opinion. The appeal of AI lies in its ability to provide quick, in-depth explanations that may not be easily accessible through traditional web searches.
Dave deBronkart, a well-known patient rights advocate, points out that while Google provides vast amounts of information, AI offers a semblance of clinical reasoning, improving patients’ understanding and engagement with their health issues.
However, the adoption of AI in healthcare is not without its concerns. Dr. Benjamin Tolchin, a Yale neurologist, notes that while the technology often adds to patients’ knowledge, it can sometimes present overly authoritative answers that could mislead patients, especially when it suggests treatments like stem cell transplants for conditions like intractable seizures, a recommendation that remains purely experimental.
Furthermore, the results of a KFF survey reveal that only a small fraction of users feel very confident in distinguishing between accurate and misleading AI-generated health advice. This highlights the need for critical engagement with such technology.
The use of AI like ChatGPT in healthcare is a double-edged sword: it can significantly empower patients, but it also requires a cautious and informed approach to its outputs. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into healthcare requires a reevaluation of how medical information is consumed and used.
