Patients perceived doctors who use AI as less competent and warm in a study of 1030 people
Researchers found that disclosing the use of AI in medical practice leads to lower trust and reduced willingness to book appointments.
A recent study published in npj Digital Medicine examined how patients feel about doctors who rely on artificial intelligence. The researchers surveyed 1030 participants in the United States to measure their reactions to fictitious medical advertisements. The participants were split into groups, with some told the doctor uses AI for diagnostics and therapy, while others were told the doctor does not.
Those who saw advertisements mentioning AI consistently rated the doctors as less competent and less warm. This bias, which the study calls an AI-use penalty, extended beyond simple opinions. Participants were significantly less likely to book an appointment, follow a treatment plan, or recommend these physicians to others.
Physicians stating that they use (vs. never use) AI were rated as less warm and competent, with reduced appointment willingness.
The findings show that patients reacted more negatively to AI disclosure if they were under 45 years old. Younger people may be more aware of the limitations of technology, leading to higher levels of skepticism in a sensitive setting like a doctor's office. The study also noted that the perceived penalty varied slightly depending on the doctor's race and the patient's background.
The social cost of technology
The researchers suggest that when information about a doctor's personal skill is missing, patients treat the mention of AI as a major signal about the doctor's intent. Some patients seem to interpret the technology as a sign of outsourcing clinical judgment.
- Participants were less willing to pay for visits involving AI-assisted doctors.
- People requested second opinions more frequently when AI was mentioned.
- Doctors using AI were expected to have shorter wait times, according to the participants.
Could the way a doctor introduces technology change how patients feel about it? The study notes that communication styles emphasizing shared decision-making might help address these concerns. Future training for medical professionals may need to focus on these social aspects of care.
This study was limited to hypothetical advertisements and does not reflect how patients react in real-life medical settings with more complete information. It did not test the actual clinical outcomes of the doctors, only the perception of them by the public.
Source: npj Digital Medicine