Scots Warned Against Trusting AI for Medical Advice as NHS Branding Emerges as Key to Confidence

Scots Urged to Avoid Inaccurate AI-Generated Medical Advice

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) has raised concerns about the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for medical advice among Scots, warning that much of this information can be inaccurate and misleading. A recent HIS survey involving over 560 participants revealed that 61% would use search engines to find answers about the medicines they take.

Clare Morrison, HIS’s director of engagement and change, highlighted that many AI-generated responses found via search engines lack reliability. She emphasized the need for clear, trusted, and evidence-based information, recommending NHS-branded websites as a dependable source.

Risks Linked to AI-Driven Medical Queries

The rise of AI tools used to summarize search results poses a risk because these tools often do not clarify the reliability or origin of their sources. This is especially critical given recent reports of serious pancreas problems, including fatal cases of pancreatitis, linked to some weight loss and diabetes medications.

Morrison warned that without clear guidance, individuals may unknowingly rely on questionable medical information. She stressed the role healthcare professionals and the NHS have in guiding the public toward trustworthy resources.

Survey Highlights Trust in NHS-Branded Information

• 88% of respondents said NHS branding increases their confidence in the reliability and timeliness of medicine information.
• Nearly all participants agreed on the importance of understanding the purpose, benefits, and risks of their medications.
• 93% expressed willingness to discuss medication risks and potential harms with healthcare providers.
• 85% would read the information leaflet included with medication packaging.
• 71% would seek medicine information on an NHS Scotland website.

These results underline the value of NHS branding in reassuring the public about medical information. Morrison suggests expanding the use of NHS branding to help people more easily identify reliable online resources.

Official Guidance and Next Steps

A Scottish Government spokesperson welcomed the findings and advised anyone seeking health information to rely on evidence-based advice from sources like NHS Inform.

For healthcare professionals, this highlights the importance of directing patients toward trusted information channels, especially as AI tools become more common in everyday medical inquiries.