A new study reveals that one in seven people in the UK are turning to AI chatbots for health advice instead of consulting their GP. The research, conducted by King's College London, found that of the 15% of respondents using chatbots, one in four did so because of long NHS waiting lists.
Risks of AI in Healthcare
The study highlights potential dangers, with a fifth of chatbot users saying the technology did not encourage them to seek professional medical opinion. Similarly, a fifth decided against a consultation based on something the chatbot told them. This is the first research to quantify AI chatbot use for health advice, indicating a shift in how people manage health concerns.
Prof Graham Lord, lead author, warned that growing chatbot use is creating 'an unregulated AI healthcare system alongside the NHS.' He emphasized the need for transparency about AI safety and accountability, stating, 'When something goes wrong with AI, responsibility is often placed on clinicians, even where they have limited control over how AI tools are introduced.'
Public Opinion Divided
Respondents were split on AI in clinical decision-making: 37% in favor, 38% against. Notably, 49% of 18-24 year olds opposed AI in the NHS, compared to 36% of those 65+. Previous research has shown that some AI tools, like Google AI Overviews, can provide false or misleading health advice.
Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, called the trend 'highly concerning.' She stressed that AI cannot replace a GP's ability to examine patients, understand medical history, or make safe clinical judgments. 'Technology must not become a substitute for investing in general practice or ensuring patients can access safe, timely care from a trained professional,' she said.
Patients are advised to use trusted sources like NHS.uk and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
