A recent survey has shed light on the mixed feelings towards the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in primary care, with younger adults exhibiting a notably higher level of comfort compared to their older counterparts. The poll, which consisted of 3,317 participants, found that 40% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 expressed their ease with having a primary care appointment led by AI, in contrast to just 24% of those aged 65 and older. Overall, 32% of respondents stated that they would be somewhat or very comfortable with an AI-led appointment.
Despite this growing acceptance of AI, the survey highlighted a strong preference for medical professionals when it comes to specific healthcare needs. For instance, when it came to prescribing pain medication, 84% of participants favored medical professionals over AI, with a margin of 81% to 15% in diagnosing a sensitive rash, and 69% to 28% in managing diet. These findings emphasize the continued significance of human expertise in certain areas of healthcare.
Conducted by Outbreaks Near Me, an interdisciplinary team comprising epidemiologists from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the survey also included the perspectives of healthcare workers. Interestingly, only 14% of the professionals surveyed reported using AI to aid in diagnosis, treatment, or patient communication. Consequently, patients’ acceptance of AI outpaced its actual use within the healthcare industry.
The survey also revealed contrasting expectations between patients and medical professionals regarding AI’s future impact. While 66% of patients believed that AI would play a more substantial role in personal healthcare in the next five years, 22% anticipated AI surpassing medical professionals in diagnosing medical conditions. On the other hand, medical professionals displayed greater ambivalence, with one-third expressing concerns that AI may cause more harm than good. Additionally, 42% believed that AI’s impact would be a mix of both benefits and drawbacks.
Regarding therapy, the acceptance of AI was notably lower, with only 25% of respondents indicating their comfort with AI-led sessions. Within the 18-34 age group, 34% expressed some level of comfort, while the figures dropped to 22% among those aged 35 to 64, and further declined to 18% among those aged 65 and older.
While this survey showcases varying perspectives on the utilization of AI in primary care, it is evident that there is still a strong preference for the expertise and human touch provided by medical professionals. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare systems, it is crucial to strike a balance that maximizes the benefits of technological advancements while preserving the invaluable role of healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the level of acceptance of AI-led appointments in primary care?
Of the respondents, 32% expressed some level of comfort with an AI-led appointment in primary care.
2. What are the areas in which people prefer medical professionals over AI?
According to the survey, individuals greatly prefer medical professionals when it comes to prescribing pain medication, diagnosing sensitive rashes, and managing diet.
3. How many healthcare professionals reported using AI in their practice?
Only 14% of healthcare professionals surveyed reported using AI to assist in diagnosis, treatment, or patient communication.
4. What are the expectations for AI’s role in personal healthcare in the future?
While 66% of patients anticipate a larger role for AI in personal healthcare in the next five years, 22% believe AI will surpass medical professionals in diagnosing medical problems.
5. How accepting are individuals of AI-led therapy?
Only 25% of respondents expressed their comfort with AI-led therapy, with higher acceptance observed among younger age groups.