Most Americans doubt AI use in healthcare systems: Michigan Medicine

MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES — A new study has revealed the widespread skepticism among U.S. adults regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. 

Published in JAMA Network Open, the research found that 65.8% of respondents expressed low trust in healthcare systems to use AI responsibly, while 57.7% doubted these systems could ensure AI tools would not cause harm.

The study, led by Jodyn Platt, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan Medical School, and Paige Nong, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, surveyed a nationally representative sample from June to July 2023. 

The findings underscore a critical trust gap as hospitals increasingly adopt AI technologies for diagnostics and treatment.

Women less likely to trust AI in medicine

Demographic differences emerged in the study, with women being less likely than men to trust their healthcare systems to use AI responsibly. Interestingly, factors such as health literacy or familiarity with AI did not significantly influence levels of trust. This suggests that improving public confidence will require more than just education—it will demand meaningful engagement between healthcare providers and patients.

“Building trust in the use of AI will require meaningful engagement,” the authors noted, emphasizing that health systems must prioritize transparency about how AI tools are integrated into patient care.

Transparency and communication key to building AI trust

The research also found that individuals who already had higher levels of general trust in their healthcare providers were more likely to believe these systems would protect them from potential harm caused by AI. However, the overall low levels of trust indicate a pressing need for healthcare systems to improve communication about their use of AI technologies.

The authors recommend that future studies explore how trust evolves over time as patients gain more familiarity with AI tools. They also stress the importance of clear, proactive communication from hospitals and clinics about how these technologies are being used in clinical settings.

As hospitals increasingly rely on AI for tasks ranging from diagnostics to personalized treatment plans, addressing public skepticism will be essential for both patient safety and acceptance of these innovations. Bridging this trust gap could ensure that advancements in medical technology are implemented ethically and effectively.