A new study has found that one in seven people in the UK are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for medical advice instead of consulting their GP. The poll, which surveyed over 2,000 individuals, revealed that 15% of respondents have used chatbots for health-related queries. Among those, one in four cited long NHS waiting lists as a motivating factor.
Risks of AI in Healthcare
The research, conducted by analysts at King's College London, highlights potential dangers associated with relying on AI for medical guidance. A fifth of chatbot users reported that the technology did not encourage them to seek professional medical opinion. Similarly, a comparable proportion decided against a consultation based on information provided by an AI chatbot.
According to the researchers, this is the first study to quantify the use of AI chatbots for health advice and signals a shift in how people address health concerns. Prof Graham Lord, lead author of the study, described the growing individual use of chatbots as creating "an unregulated AI healthcare system alongside the NHS."
Safety and Accountability Concerns
Prof Lord emphasized the need for transparency: "When something goes wrong with AI, responsibility is often placed on clinicians, even where they have limited control over how AI tools are introduced. To realise AI's potential, we need greater transparency about what works, what is safe, how decisions are made and how issues are handled."
Respondents were divided on whether AI should be used in clinical decision-making, with 37% in favour and 38% against. Notably, 49% of 18- to 24-year-olds opposed clinical AI use within the NHS, while only 36% of those aged 65 and over shared this view.
Expert Warnings
Previous research has shown that some AI systems, including Google AI Overviews, can provide false and misleading health advice. Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, called the trend "highly concerning." She stated: "Patients should not feel they have to rely on AI tools because they are facing long waits or difficulties accessing support. AI can provide quick answers, but it cannot examine a patient, fully understand their medical history, pick up on subtle signs, or make safe clinical judgments based on evidence."
She added that any use of AI in clinical settings must be transparent, properly regulated, and designed to support, not replace, clinical judgment. She encouraged patients to use trusted sources such as NHS.uk and to contact a healthcare professional if concerned about their health.
