Doctors report spike in health complications from AI and online medical advice
Survey from Canadian Medical Association finds 97% of physicians had to address consequences after patients followed health guidance from AI or forums.
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While artificial intelligence can help with recipes and party planning, a new survey from the Canadian Medical Association shows the risks when patients turn to AI for medical advice instead of health-care providers.
The survey found that 97 per cent of doctors had to either step in or address consequences after patients followed health-care advice from an online forum or AI system. The findings raise concerns about how Canadians navigate the growing volume of medical information available online and through generative AI tools.
The Big Story podcast, which airs on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, explored the issue this week with Ma'n H. Zawati, an associate professor at McGill University and research director at the Centre of Genomics and Policy. Zawati discussed how far artificial intelligence should be allowed to penetrate Canada's health-care system and how to help Canadians stay informed while searching for timely medical advice.
The research highlights the tension between AI's utility for everyday tasks and its limitations—and risks—when applied to complex medical situations where professional diagnosis and treatment are essential.
