The replacement of humans by robots and artificial intelligence to undertake particular work is a popular topic and there are estimates that millions of jobs will be automated in the next decade. But how likely are robots to replace GPs? An international study of 11,000 people in across 12 countries found the majority of patients would be willing to be treated by AI without a human doctor present. The survey was conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers in November 2016 to determine the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using AI and robots in healthcare.
The study found that respondents in countries with restricted access to health care were much more likely to be willing to interact with a device or robot.
Overall 54% of respondents said they would be willing to talk to an advanced computer or robot with AI to answer health questions, diagnose and treatment and recommend treatment. Over half said they would be willing to use an intelligent healthcare assistant via a smartphone, tablet or personal computer to provide advice on treatment but 47% said they would not trust a robot to make a decision if something unexpected was found. Patients expressed a willingness to receive monitoring and advice from AI but slightly less willingness to have a robot take and test a blood sample. Only 9% of respondents would be willing to allow a robot to stitch and bandage a minor cut.
When it comes to advantages and disadvantages of using AI for healthcare, around a third felt it would be quicker and easier for people to access healthcare but more than a third of patients felt a ‘human touch’ is needed when it comes to healthcare.
How do patients perceive the Robot GPs?
Regarding use of technology by GPs, patients state they would feel more comfortable with the treatment offered by a GP who knows them and their history than by one who relies on information sourced on the computer. One study found that in general patients felt they could still easily talk with their doctor while the doctor was typing and that it contributed positively to treatment but many were frustrated that the doctor did not explain the use of the computer in the consultation. A recommendation of the research was to involve patients more in e-health management.
Is Robot GPs will ever replace human GPs?
It is unlikely that robots will ever replace human GPs in developed countries but technology will continue to complement the services provided by doctors. Increased availability of diagnostic and scanning tools will improve efficiency, treatment and potentially reduce the need for referrals. However, some doctors caution against overstating the value of technology and that service should not be moulded around technology but rather the other way around.
The full study on AI and robotics defining health can be obtained from PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
You can also read about tele-health and online consultations in our article “The Rise of Telehealth in Australia”