One in seven prefer consulting AI chatbots to seeing a doctor, UK study shows

The Guardian reports on a concerning trend emerging from a UK study: a significant portion of the population is turning to AI chatbots for health advice, bypassing traditional medical consultations. The findings from King's College London reveal that 15% of respondents have used these AI tools, with a substantial number citing lengthy NHS waiting lists as the primary driver for this shift. This reliance on unregulated AI healthcare systems raises serious questions about patient safety and accountability, as highlighted by lead author Prof. Graham Lord. The study indicates that AI is rapidly altering healthcare access, creating an 'unregulated AI healthcare system alongside the NHS.' The potential risks are underscored by the fact that many users do not seek professional opinions afterward, or even forgo consultations based on AI-generated advice. The Royal College of General Practitioners expresses deep concern, emphasizing that AI cannot replace a clinician's ability to examine patients, understand their history, or make safe, evidence-based judgments. The article stresses the need for transparency, regulation, and trust in AI tools, ensuring they support rather than replace professional medical care.

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This research underlines the scale and pace at which AI is already shaping how people access healthcare. While the opportunities are significant, it also highlights concerns about safety and accountability.