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AI Health Advice: 1 in 7 Brits Opt Out of GPs
13 May
Summary
- One in seven people in the UK use AI for health advice instead of doctors.
- Long NHS waiting lists drive 15% of users to AI chatbots.
- AI use discourages professional consultations for many patients.
A recent UK study indicates that one in seven individuals are now consulting AI chatbots for health advice, a trend that doctors find highly concerning. Approximately 15% of surveyed individuals reported using AI for medical queries, with one in four citing long NHS waiting lists as the primary reason.
Researchers from King's College London found that this reliance on AI poses risks, as a fifth of users stated the technology discouraged them from seeking professional medical help. This development signals a shift in how people manage health concerns, leading to what one lead author describes as an 'unregulated AI healthcare system'.
Concerns are mounting over safety and accountability, especially when AI tools are implemented without clear oversight. Experts stress the need for transparency regarding AI's effectiveness, safety, decision-making processes, and issue handling to build trust among staff and patients.
While opinions are divided on AI's role in clinical decision-making, younger adults show greater opposition than older demographics. Previous research has also identified instances of AI providing misleading health information, reinforcing the caution advised by healthcare professionals.
