Doctors warn: Canadians are turning to AI for health information and it is hurting them
A new survey from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) shows that even though only a quarter of Canadians (27%) trust AI to provide accurate health information, about half are using AI tools to diagnose or treat their health issues.
Nearly all Canadians surveyed believe that the responsibility to curb the spread of false health information falls to social media platforms (87%) and governments (90%).
“AI is already reshaping the delivery of health services, and it’s not going away,” says Dr. Margot Burnell, CMA president. “It is critical that government, health providers and patients work together to ensure AI is a tool for reliable health information.”
Using AI for medical advice can cause you harm, Canadian doctors warn
The CMA’s third Health and Media Tracking Survey, conducted by Abacus Data, found that 89% of Canadians go online for health information, with 66% saying it’s more convenient than speaking to a doctor. “In many cases, they are using it in place of seeing their family physician or getting an appointment, or find it’s easier or more convenient for them,” said Dr. Burnell. (Global News)
The risks of turning to AI for health issues and medical diagnosis
The CMA’s new survey found those following AI health advice were five times more likely to report health-related harms than those who didn’t. “The harms tend to be delays in diagnosis or side effects from the treatment [AI suggested],” says Dr. Burnell. (CTV News)
Medical myths are everywhere online. A survey of 5,000 Canadians shows how much we trust them — despite the costs
“[Physicians are] concerned about how patients are accessing their health information and making treatment decisions” said Dr. Burnell. She said the CMA is calling on governments to work with health providers to ensure AI tools offer reliable health information for patients. (Toronto Star)
Canadians who turn to AI for health information risk harm
Speed — not accuracy — is driving most Canadians to use AI for health information. “Access to social media is so easy, and access to primary care health teams, family physicians, and nurse practitioners may not be,” says Dr. Burnell. She says this problem is particularly relevant now because most Canadians are concerned about an increase in the amount of false health information coming from the U.S. (Medscape)
Canada must take lead in fighting health misinformation as vaccine hesitancy rises and U.S. pulls back from WHO
In the face of a wave of misinformation coming out of the U.S., Dr. Burnell says that federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel has an opportunity to position Canada as a leader in countering misinformation. She says that Canada’s health minister needs to discuss how to best promote factual information with various health-related government agencies and departments, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada. “[It’s the minister’s] responsibility to advocate for the health of Canadians, and so every avenue that can be leveraged to do that is critically important,” said Dr. Burnell. (The Hill Times, by subscription)
Have a comment or suggestion?
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Engagement Support Team or call toll-free at 888-855-2555 (weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm ET).
Stay connected with the CMA:
Canadian Medical Association
1410 Blair Towers Place, Suite 500, Ottawa ON K1J 9B9 1410 Blair Towers Place, Suite 500, Ottawa ON K1J 9B9
