A mother in the UK sought the assistance of an AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to investigate her son’s persistent stomach pains after medical professionals dismissed her concerns. Claire’s son, experiencing discomfort days after returning from a holiday in Greece, was advised by doctors that his symptoms did not warrant further investigation. Despite this, Claire suspected a parasitic infection and turned to ChatGPT for guidance.
After entering the query, “Kids develop tummy ache five days after a holiday – what could it be?”, the AI suggested the possibility of a parasite, specifically naming cryptosporidium, a 5mm-long organism often linked to contaminated water. Armed with this new insight, Claire returned to her doctor, who reluctantly agreed to conduct a stool sample test. The results confirmed her suspicions: her son had contracted a parasite, likely from a swimming pool.
Claire expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by ChatGPT, stating, “I wouldn’t normally advocate for AI and diagnoses, but in this instance, it helped us.” This incident highlights a growing trend, with millions of individuals increasingly relying on AI tools for health information each week.
Growing Reliance on AI for Health Queries
Despite the rising popularity of AI, healthcare professionals caution against relying solely on technology for medical advice. While ChatGPT has demonstrated the capacity to pass medical licensing exams, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding of a healthcare provider.
Lisa Freeman, a 42-year-old user of ChatGPT, noted that the tool alleviates some pressure from the National Health Service (NHS), especially given the long waits for appointments. “I don’t expect a doctor – especially a busy, overworked one – to be able to think of everything in a rushed phone call,” she explained. For many, the allure of AI lies in its non-judgmental nature. Cybersecurity advisor Bob Gourley shared his experience of using ChatGPT to articulate health concerns without fear of being judged.
Edward Frank Morris, 33, has utilized ChatGPT extensively for various ailments. He recalled a friend in his late 70s who consulted the AI after feeling dissatisfied with his doctor’s explanations following a heart attack. “The app was empathetic and explained the medical report in a gentle way,” Morris said, emphasizing the potential for AI to provide comforting support to patients.
Potential Risks and Professional Insights
While AI chatbots like ChatGPT can assist in demystifying medical terminology and generating questions for doctors, they are not without risks. Serious cases have emerged, including incidents where individuals received misleading health advice, leading to dire consequences. For example, a man was hospitalized after following ChatGPT’s diet recommendations, which were linked to an 18th-century disease.
According to a survey by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the health organization Nuffield Trust, over half of general practitioners (GPs) now incorporate AI into their clinical practices, primarily for administrative tasks rather than clinical decision-making.
Dr. Becks Fisher, the director of research and policy at the Nuffield Trust, noted the importance of context in evaluating AI’s efficacy. “It’s very difficult to make broad generalizations about the accuracy of AI tools,” she stated, emphasizing that the quality of responses often depends on the prompts given by users.
Experts warn that while AI can encourage patients to take an active interest in their health, the information provided may lack verification. Professor Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, chair of the RCGP, cautioned against taking AI-generated advice at face value. “An AI chatbot cannot replace a conversation with a clinician who knows the patient,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of personalized medical care.
The rise of AI in healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges. As patients increasingly turn to technology for answers, the medical community continues to navigate the balance between innovation and traditional care, emphasizing the need for reliable information and professional guidance.
