Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing in healthcare. Some studies suggest that AI-driven systems can outperform human doctors in specific tasks. But how do patients and clinicians and patients feel about this shift? Would you trust AI for medical guidance? I posed a pair of AI-related questions to readers in February as part of my monthly poll. Here are the results:
My thoughts: Across the nation, perceptions of generative AI in healthcare are shifting, from initial skepticism and concern toward greater enthusiasm. Reader feedback reflects this trend. A majority are open to using this technology, though most still want a human clinician involved in their care. Meanwhile, most respondents see GenAI’s integration into medicine as a more imminent possibility, with nearly two-thirds predicting it will become routine within five years.
This adoption curve looks familiar. The same trajectory played out with the introduction of personal computers, the internet and smartphones. And just as few today could imagine life without those tools, I believe that in five years, many will wonder how they ever navigated healthcare before GenAI.
The biggest unknown to me is whether healthcare professionals will resist, accept or champion their use. The answer will determine whether the health of our nation continues to languish or rapidly improves.
