Patients Lose Trust When Doctors Mention Using AI, Study Finds

Patients Trust Physicians Less When AI Is Mentioned, Study Finds

New research reveals that simply mentioning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice can lower how patients perceive their physicians. This includes reduced ratings of competence, trustworthiness, and empathy.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Wuerzburg and the University of Cambridge, surveyed over 1,200 U.S. adults. Participants viewed mock advertisements for family physicians, some highlighting AI use in administrative, diagnostic, or therapeutic roles, while others did not mention AI at all.

AI’s Impact on Patient Perception

Across all scenarios where AI was mentioned, patients rated physicians lower in empathy and trust. For instance, empathy scores dropped from 4.00 out of 5 in ads without AI to as low as 3.72 when AI was used therapeutically. Trustworthiness followed a similar trend, with scores decreasing noticeably from the control group.

Willingness to book an appointment declined most sharply when AI was involved in therapeutic decisions. Even AI used for administrative tasks—often considered less intrusive—led to lower patient confidence.

Why the Skepticism?

The researchers suggest that patients may worry about physicians relying too heavily on technology or fear that AI use could make care feel impersonal. Concerns about data privacy and the costs associated with adopting new technology might also contribute to this hesitation.

Maintaining Trust Through Transparency

While the study used fictional ads, it highlights a communication gap in how AI is presented in healthcare. Physicians and practice managers should consider proactively explaining how AI tools support clinical decisions without replacing human judgment.

Clear communication about AI’s role and benefits can help address patient concerns and preserve trust. Emphasizing that AI improves efficiency and patient outcomes, rather than diminishing care quality, is crucial.

What Healthcare Professionals Can Do

• Be transparent about when and how AI is used in your practice.
• Highlight the benefits AI brings to patient care while reassuring that clinical judgment remains central.
• Address common patient concerns about data privacy and technology reliance upfront.

For healthcare professionals interested in learning more about AI applications and how to communicate these effectively, exploring specialized courses can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical insights tailored to various skill levels.