Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way doctors communicate with their patients, with new AI tools being used to answer messages and take notes during exams. OpenAI released ChatGPT 15 months ago, and already thousands of doctors are utilizing similar products based on large language models. AI is not only saving doctors time and preventing burnout, but it is also changing the doctor-patient relationship, raising concerns about trust, transparency, privacy, and the future of human connection in healthcare.
Patients may not even realize that their doctors are using AI tools, as some health systems do not require disclosure. However, in some cases, patients like Tom Detner of Denver have received AI-generated messages that are so realistic that they sound exactly like their doctor. Transparency is crucial, as AI tools can make mistakes, such as misinterpreting conversations or fabricating inaccurate responses, leading to potential issues in electronic health records.
Despite the potential for errors, AI tools can also be incredibly helpful in drafting messages to patients and documenting exams. Doctors using AI are no longer tied to their computers during appointments, allowing for more eye contact and better communication with patients. However, concerns about privacy remain, as U.S. law requires health care systems to ensure that protected health information is safeguarded when using AI tools.
Overall, AI is changing the landscape of healthcare communication, offering both benefits and challenges. As the use of AI tools becomes more widespread in medicine, it will be essential for doctors and health systems to navigate the complexities of trust, transparency, and privacy in the digital age.
themes: ChatGPT OpenAI AI (Artificial intelligence)
