DOCTORS WARN AI HEALTH ADVICE COULD INCREASE RISKS FOR PATIENTS

Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly becoming a common source of health information for millions of people, but medical organizations are increasingly raising alarms about the dangers of relying on AI-generated treatment advice.

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A new survey commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) suggests that the growing use of AI for medical guidance may already be contributing to negative health outcomes, reinforcing concerns among physicians that unverified digital advice can influence patients in harmful ways. The findings highlight a widening gap between how frequently people consult artificial intelligence systems for health-related questions and how much they actually trust those tools. While many users approach Al cautiously, the convenience and speed of instant responses continue to drive adoption, creating a complex environment where misinformation, partial information, and misunderstood medical recommendations can spread quickly.

SURVEY SHOWS RAPID GROWTH IN AI HEALTH CONSULTATION

According to the CMA-commissioned survey conducted among more than 5,000 Canadians, nearly half of respondents reported turning to artificial intelligence search tools for health-related information, and approximately 38% said they had used conversational Al systems for treatment advice. Despite the widespread use, only about 27% of respondents indicated that they fully trusted Al-generated medical guidance, revealing a significant disconnect between usage and confidence.

Medical professionals view this trend as particularly concerning because patients often consult Al systems before seeking professional care, potentially shaping their expectations or influencing their interpretation of symptoms. Physicians report that consultations increasingly include patients referencing Al-generated suggestions for medications, treatments, or diagnoses, sometimes presenting these suggestions as established medical facts.