How Artificial Intelligence (A.I) Could Change the Patient Experience
- May 4, 2023
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in healthcare to improve patient care and experience. One example of this is AI chatbots, like ChatGPT or Jasper, but there are concerns about their potential impact on the patient-provider relationship.
According to an article in Fox News, AI-based chatbots are being developed to improve the patient experience by providing personalized health information and support. They are designed to be easy to use and understand, even for patients with limited health literacy. It can answer questions about symptoms, provide medication information, and offer guidance on healthy behaviors such as diet and exercise.
One of the key benefits of AI chatbots is their ability to provide round-the-clock support to patients. This can be particularly helpful for patients with chronic conditions or needing frequent monitoring. ChatGPT can also collect data on patients’ health status and symptoms, which can be used to improve treatment plans and identify potential issues before they become serious.
Despite these potential benefits, there are also concerns about the impact of AI chatbots on the patient-provider relationship. Some healthcare professionals worry that chatbots may reduce the amount of face-to-face interaction between patients and providers, leading to a loss of empathy and trust. Additionally, there are concerns about the accuracy of information provided by AI chatbots, as well as the potential for data breaches and other security issues.
Another article in Fox News reports on a more technical aspect of AI involvement in healthcare. A new AI-based platform developed by researchers at Stanford University can predict the risk of developing diabetes with high accuracy. The platform, which uses data from electronic health records (EHRs), can identify patients at high risk of developing diabetes up to three years before diagnosis. This early identification can help healthcare providers develop personalized treatment plans and interventions to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
However, the researchers stress that the AI platform is not intended to replace patient care. Instead, it supplements existing healthcare systems by providing additional information and insights. They also note that the platform is only as good as the data it is based on, and that more research is needed to validate its accuracy and effectiveness.
Overall, the use of AI in healthcare is a rapidly evolving field with both potential benefits and risks. While AI chatbots like ChatGPT can potentially improve patient experience and outcomes, they must be developed and implemented carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Similarly, AI-based platforms like the one developed by Stanford researchers offer exciting possibilities for early detection and prevention of disease. Still, they must be rigorously tested and validated before being integrated into clinical practice. As such, physicians should stay up to date with developments in AI and carefully evaluate the evidence before incorporating these technologies into their practice.