Khaberni - The use of "ChatGPT" to obtain medical advice has become a common practice in the United Kingdom, with one in every ten people admitting to relying on it, and the rate doubles among those under the age of thirty-five.
This trend is due to the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies and the difficulty of obtaining medical appointments, making digital consultation an expanding option for patients
Despite "ChatGPT"'s ability to pass medical licensing exams and accurately solve clinical cases, sometimes surpassing humans, doctors warn of the risks, especially with artificial intelligence's tendency to "hallucinate" or provide incorrect information. Serious incidents have been recorded, such as a man being poisoned after replacing salt with potassium bromide based on misguided advice, and tragic stories of teenagers receiving harmful support that encouraged them to harm themselves.
Top expert tips for using ChatGPT safely
1- Do not diagnose yourself through the robot; use it only to present treatment options
Pharmacist Deborah Grayson emphasizes that the best use of ChatGPT occurs when the diagnosis is already known.
"If you are sure that you have the flu, for example, the robot can suggest rest and paracetamol, which are standard advice. The problem arises when the user tries to diagnose themselves."
2- Provide complete information to get accurate answers
Grayson confirms that the quality of the response is directly linked to the amount of details provided by the user, including symptoms, duration, and whether there is a family history of the disease, to provide accurate answers.
3- Use it to enhance your dialogue with the doctor
Artificial intelligence can prepare patients before their medical appointment by suggesting precise questions or requesting specific tests, especially for those who are anxious. It also helps in assessing the need for an urgent visit to the doctor.
4- Stick to reliable sources
Experts advise asking ChatGPT to stick to reliable sources such as the NHS website, government pages, or scientific databases like PubMed, and you can ask the robot about the source of the information after receiving the answer.
When does the situation require immediate human intervention?
Severe fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained bleeding
Persistent pain
Heartbeat irregularities
Continuous vomiting
Changes in bowel movements
Prolonged fever
And Grayson points out that pharmacists are readily available and can guide patients and reduce errors resulting from self-diagnosis online.
