Many Canadians are turning to artificial intelligence for health advice, raising concerns among doctors about the accuracy and reliability of the information they receive. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has expressed alarm over this trend, emphasizing the potential dangers of misinformation and false guidance provided by AI platforms.
Dr. Margot Burnell, the president of CMA, highlighted the issue, stating that the trust between patients and physicians is at risk due to the prevalence of inaccurate health information online. A recent survey conducted by the CMA in collaboration with Abacus Data revealed that a significant number of Canadians seek health information online, often encountering false or misleading content related to their health queries.
Despite the widespread use of AI for health information, only a minority of respondents expressed trust in its accuracy. However, a considerable portion of participants admitted to relying on AI platforms like Google and ChatGPT for medical advice, even leading to adverse health outcomes in some cases, as indicated by the survey findings.
The survey also indicated growing concerns among Canadians regarding health misinformation, particularly from sources like social media and the United States. Notable figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump and his health secretary, have been criticized for spreading false claims about health-related topics, contributing to public skepticism and doubt towards healthcare providers and online health information.
The CMA’s partnership with The Canadian Press supports efforts to address health misinformation, but the association emphasizes the need for individuals to critically evaluate the sources of health information they encounter online.
