Health Prosfessionals: AI Self-Diagnosis Risks Spur Concern

Healthcare professionals are raising alarms about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for self-diagnosis and prescription, highlighting significant risks to human life. On Doctors’ Day, they expressed concern over the growing reliance on Internet search results for serious medical conditions. While acknowledging the benefits of online information, they emphasized the numerous challenges it poses in everyday life.

AI and Machine Learning (ML)

Over recent years, the integration of AI and Machine Learning (ML) has further complicated matters, rapidly influencing healthcare decisions. The Internet has become a primary source of health information, fueling unsupervised self-medication practices. This trend introduces substantial risks, as unchecked behaviors can lead to fatal consequences from incorrect medication usage due to misjudgment.

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Potential dangers include inaccurate self-diagnosis, medication misuse, and hazardous drug interactions or incorrect dosages. Healthcare professionals stress the critical importance of accurate data input for AI systems to ensure precise diagnoses and appropriate treatments. They caution against blindly trusting AI-generated information, noting disparities that may exist in medical practices between different regions.

Dr. Gayatri Kamineni, COO of Kamineni Hospitals, pointed out that AI platforms often reflect Western perspectives, potentially mismatching the needs of patients in regions like India. She underscored the imperative for medical professionals to oversee and interpret AI-driven insights to mitigate risks effectively.

Dr. B Kishore Reddy, Chief Ortho Oncologist at Amor Hospital, highlighted the risks of self-medication, emphasizing the potential for incorrect dosing and prolonged medication use leading to dependency or masking of underlying medical conditions. He stressed that medical guidance is essential to avoid severe complications.

AI’s role in enhancing healthcare

While acknowledging AI’s role in enhancing healthcare delivery, Dr. C. Mallikarjuna, Chief Urologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU), emphasized that its use should complement rather than replace medical expertise. He emphasized that the best outcomes arise from a combination of experience, expertise, and informed use of technology.

In conclusion, while AI and the Internet offer unprecedented advancements in healthcare, they underscore the necessity for cautious integration and oversight by qualified medical professionals to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.