In a recent revelation that has raised eyebrows in the medical community, a study conducted by the University of Kansas Life Span Institute has found that parents are placing their trust in artificial intelligence (AI) over healthcare professionals.
The study's lead author, Calissa Leslie-Miller, a doctoral student in clinical child psychology at the university, stated, Participants found minimal distinctions between vignettes written by experts and those generated by prompt-engineered ChatGPT. She further added, When vignettes were statistically significantly different, ChatGPT was rated as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable.
According to The New York Post, the study involved 116 parents aged between 18 and 65. They were presented with health-related texts about children and were asked to determine whether they believed the content was produced by ChatGPT or healthcare professionals, without being privy to the original author. The study did not delve into the reasons behind the parents' preference for AI, but it did outline potential contributing factors.
Jim Boswell, the president and CEO at OnPoint Healthcare Partners, who has experience developing an AI-based platform, suggested that the straightforward approach of ChatGPT in presenting information might make it more digestible for people. Similarly, Mordechai Raskas, MD, EdM, chief medical information officer and director of telemedicine at PM Pediatric Care, noted, Think of AI as the ultimate salesperson; it knows exactly what to say to win you over.
The allure of AI lies in its ability to provide quick answers, eliminating the need for parents to wait for a doctors appointment. However, this convenience does not come without its share of risks. Leslie-Miller warned, Information may be inaccurate or not tailored to specific circumstances. For example, suggesting medication for a child who is too young or offering incorrect treatment advice could lead to a wide range of dangerous outcomes.
Healthcare professionals are urging parents to verify the sources of AI-generated answers or consult with a medical professional before applying the advice to their situation. Boswell added, Reputable health content usually credits qualified medical writers or health professionals and links to research-backed sources.
While AI like ChatGPT can compile information from various online sources into a single answer, it lacks the personalized opinion of a medical expert. Boswell cautioned, Relying on these tools for medical advice could lead to missed symptoms, misinterpretations of serious conditions, or delays in seeking appropriate care.
To mitigate these risks, Leslie-Miller recommends parents also consult trusted online medical sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Raskas echoed this sentiment, stating, Reading online and searching can be very helpful. It just depends on the context and needs to be in conjunction with a trusted source or professional to help digest what youve read.
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