A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compared the responses of physicians and ChatGPT, an AI assistant, to real-world health questions. The study found that ChatGPT’s responses were preferred by a panel of licensed healthcare professionals 79% of the time and were rated higher in quality and empathy. The researchers believe that AI-augmented care has the potential to revolutionize medicine and improve healthcare delivery. The study also highlighted the burden on physicians due to the increasing number of electronic patient messages seeking medical advice, which has contributed to physician burnout. Integrating AI assistants like ChatGPT into healthcare messaging could improve workflow, patient health, and physician performance.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Outperforms Physicians in Patient Answers | AI assistants revolutionize medicine | AI integrated into health systems, improved physician responses | Improving healthcare, reducing physician burnout |
| AI Can Pass Medical Licensing Exam | AI assistants provide accurate patient responses | AI assistants in healthcare messaging, improved patient care | Easing physician burden, virtual healthcare adoption |
| Study Uses Social Media to Test ChatGPT | ChatGPT responses preferred by healthcare professionals | AI assistants used for personalized medical advice, improved workflow | Accessible healthcare, AI training for doctors |
| Potential Impact of AI Assistant Messaging | AI assistants improve physician performance and patient health | AI training for doctors, patient-centered communication, health disparities eliminated | Efficient and higher quality care delivery, medical safety systems |
| Study Authors and Affiliations | Researchers from UC San Diego and Naval Health Research Center | Collaboration between academia and healthcare institutions | Advancements in AI technology, research collaboration |