The ChatGPT-4 AI chatbot has officially been released, representing the latest technological advancement in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Despite its potential to revolutionize healthcare, many industry professionals remain unaware of how quickly this new technology is advancing. According to a survey, the global AI industry is expected to be valued at $383.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% anticipated between 2022 and 2030.
ChatGPT-4 is an example of a “good enough” AI that can create original prose and communicate with human-like fluency. However, true artificial general intelligence, which can solve problems like humans, is still several decades away. Nonetheless, ChatGPT-4 has the potential to fundamentally alter healthcare by streamlining administrative tasks and improving post-recovery treatment, symptom diagnosis, and preventive care.
One area where AI chatbots like ChatGPT-4 can be particularly useful is in freeing up more time for doctor-patient engagement. By taking on administrative activities such as preparing patient letters, chatbots can allow healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. Moreover, chatbots can improve the accuracy and efficacy of post-recovery treatment, symptom diagnosis, and the administration of preventative care.
For instance, AI can be utilized to review a patient’s symptoms and offer diagnostic recommendations, as well as provide options like online check-ins or in-person consultations with a doctor. This can improve patient flow efficiency, reduce healthcare expenses, and alleviate pressure on hospital staff. AI-powered chatbots can also engage and inspire patients, assist with Covid-19 symptom assessment, provide guidance on maintaining health after treatment, and simplify customer service procedures for pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
However, the increasing use of patient data to improve chatbot accuracy raises ethical concerns about patient privacy and the accuracy of the information provided. As more patient data is loaded into machine learning algorithms, there is a risk of exposing patient information. To address these concerns, homomorphic encryption can be used to enable chatbots to learn from patient data without accessing identifying information. Additionally, laws may be passed to regulate the use of chatbots in healthcare.
Another potential issue is the accuracy of the information provided by chatbots. Depending on the sources they are fed, chatbots may deliver incorrect or misleading information, which could lower the standard of medical care. Moreover, ChatGPT only includes data up until 2021 in its present format, which compromises the integrity of the evidence-based approach. However, future iterations of ChatGPT are expected to have more accurate analytical and problem-solving capabilities, thanks to the availability of more data and information.
In conclusion, AI chatbots like ChatGPT-4 have the potential to transform healthcare by improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient engagement. However, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns surrounding the use of patient data and ensure that chatbots are accurate and reliable sources of information. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it is anticipated that additional laws will be passed to control chatbots’ usage in the medical field.