Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Two-Edged Disruptor in Health Care

**Introduction: A Two-Edged Disruptor**

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly embedded itself and is reshaping almost every aspect of contemporary life. The health care sector is no different. With the emergence of sophisticated chatbots, symptom assessors, and health-oriented algorithms, patients now enjoy round-the-clock access to extensive medical knowledge in mere moments. The enthusiasm is justifiable: AI can clarify medical terminology, propose potential diagnoses and treatment options, and enable patients to take a more active role in their care, becoming “activated,” which means participating confidently in managing their health and taking greater personal responsibility for adhering to the recommended treatment plans from their health care providers.

As with any disruptive technology, there are advantages and disadvantages, implying both opportunities and risks. When utilized appropriately, AI can serve as a valuable ally in your health journey. Conversely, if misused or employed unwisely, it can lead to confusion or, even more concerning, hazards. The essential aspect is achieving equilibrium: leveraging the benefits while acknowledging the inherent risks.

**The Positive Side: What AI Can Offer Patients**

– Immediate access to medical information around the clock, without the need to wait for consultations.
– Enhances health literacy by converting medical terminology into plain language.
– Decision support: assists patients in formulating better queries and recognizing warning signs.
– Convenience and possible cost reductions by managing minor issues at home (comparable to existing nurse advice hotlines).
– Customization through reminders, lifestyle recommendations, and support for chronic illnesses.
– Organization of records, including summaries of test outcomes and visit notes (note, most of these already exist in EMRs if utilized).
– Educative role in prevention, providing evidence-based lifestyle recommendations.

**The Negative Side: What AI Cannot (and Should Not) Do**

– Danger of incorrect diagnoses if symptoms are oversimplified or critical context is omitted.
– Delays in obtaining professional help when patients excessively depend on AI.
– False sense of assurance in AI results, which cannot substitute for physical examinations or laboratory tests.
– Concerns regarding data privacy and security, with sensitive health information potentially being stored or disclosed.
– Algorithmic bias, which may misrepresent marginalized populations.
– Absence of accountability if errors occur.
– Anxiety stemming from extensive differential lists, occasionally spotlighting rare diseases.
– Insufficiency in handling complex cases that require subtle judgment or physical examination.

**Best Practices: How to Safely Utilize AI in Your Health Care**

Considering all this information, how can one ascertain the safe use of AI concerning their personal health and, more critically, their health care? The idea of “best practices” should be implemented as in various other fields: such as finance, cybersecurity, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, transportation, construction, and architecture. Employing a best practices framework in the application of AI in health care is the only means to ensure patient safety, deliver consistent, reliable care, and serve as an adjunct rather than a substitute for professional care. Below is an outline of AI best practices for consideration:

– Utilize AI for education, NOT diagnosis: It is useful for preparing inquiries, clarifying medical terminology, and reviewing general guidelines — but it is not a replacement for your doctor.
– Be aware of the red flags that always necessitate care: symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological impairments, severe discomfort, continuous or heavy bleeding, allergic reactions, rapidly deteriorating symptoms, and emergencies in infants or during pregnancy indicate skipping AI and contacting the appropriate resource for assistance and/or 911.
– Provide complete background in your queries: Age, sex, significant medical history involving the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, medications, allergies, exposures, and objective metrics (such as blood pressure or glucose). This will aid in producing more useful outputs.
– Request probabilities rather than certainties: Inquire about several potential explanations, factors that could make each more or less plausible, and which are critical to recognize.
– Confirm with reputable sources: Always verify AI responses against NIH, CDC, specialty societies, or your own health care provider.
– Never modify prescriptions or treatment plans based on AI: Do not initiate, discontinue, or alter medications without medical oversight.
– Safeguard your privacy: Minimize personal identifiers while using AI tools; be cautious regarding how your data might be stored or shared. Remember that AI is not governed by HIPAA regulations.
– Acknowledge bias and blind spots: AI may overlook conditions in women, children, older adults, and underrepresented groups.
– Utilize AI as a preparatory tool for your doctor visits: Summarize your concerns, timelines, signs and symptoms, what alleviates/exacerbates them, treatments attempted, and major questions.
– Trust your instincts: You know your body better than anyone. If something seems amiss, seek real care regardless of AI’s suggestions.

**In Conclusion: An Assistant or Partner, but Not a Substitute**

AI holds significant potential to empower patients, enhance understanding, and streamline care — but it must