Patients are becoming more open to the use of AI in healthcare, as they see its potential to reduce administrative work for providers — and therefore create more meaningful, in-person time with them.
In fact, nearly 60% of patients support the use of AI if it means they get to spend more time with their doctor, according to recent research from healthcare software company ModMed. This underscores patients’ strong and ongoing desire for human connection, noted Dan Cane, ModMed’s co-founder and co-CEO.
The research is based on a survey of 2,000 U.S. patients regarding their feelings and expectations for AI applications in healthcare, specifically within the doctor’s office.
Patients are beginning to understand how AI can benefit healthcare providers, recognizing that it can streamline tasks and cut down wait times — ultimately giving providers more time to focus on direct patient care, Cane explained.
“Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in strengthening this initial confidence by openly communicating their practices regarding AI use and the safeguards they’ve implemented,” he stated.
Cane recommended that providers emphasize transparency, as well as communicate clearly about data privacy protocols and bias mitigation.
The survey showed that most patients want to be informed if AI is used during their appointments, which reinforces the need for transparency, he added.
He also encouraged providers to explain how AI is being used to improve the patient experience without replacing human expertise. In his eyes, this type of proactive communication will be key to solidifying patients’ AI acceptance.
Patients indicated that they want this communication to come through direct conversations with their doctor or through notification forms that require a patient signature. Other channels like the provider’s website or patient portal can supplement these direct approaches, Cane said.
“Beyond merely disclosing AI’s presence, patients may want to understand how AI supports their care. This means being prepared if asked to explain AI’s role when used to assist with administrative tasks and/or to support clinical decision making, ensuring staff are well-versed and consistent in their messaging,” he remarked.
It’s also important to remember that healthcare is still in the beginning stages of its AI transformation and the industry is just starting to see meaningful outcomes, he stated.
ModMed’s research suggests that patients are comfortable with some but not all applications of AI in healthcare, which Cane pointed out is a great place to build from.
“The successful integration of AI in healthcare hinges on a trifecta of trust. It requires safe and reliable products that give providers confidence to advocate for their use across the practice, and patient trust stemming from a clear understanding of how AI improves their care experience. We need these foundational elements — robust technology, provider buy-in and demonstrable patient benefits — in place to support widespread adoption of AI in healthcare,” he declared.
Overall, he believes providers are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps when it comes to patients’ trust in AI.
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