Human Doctors Triumph Over AI in Patient Trust

A study conducted by the University of Wuerzburg and published in Nature Medicine reveals that people find medical advice less reliable and empathetic when they believe it is given by AI chatbots. The research involved over 2,000 participants and showed a preference for advice perceived to come solely from human doctors.

A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when they believe it comes from AI chatbots.

Conducted by the University of Wuerzburg, the study revealed that individuals were also less willing to follow advice if they thought a doctor had used AI assistance. Over 2,000 participants evaluated identical medical advice for reliability, comprehensibility, and empathy, with the findings indicating a preference for advice provided solely by human doctors.

The research underscores the importance of trust in medical diagnoses and treatment recommendations, crucial for successful patient outcomes. The authors emphasize that while AI has the potential to reduce doctors' day-to-day workload, it must be integrated carefully to maintain patient trust.

(With inputs from agencies.)