Patient commentary: Stop hyping artificial intelligence—patients will always need human doctors

Abstract

If regulated and well implemented, machines that learn have the potential to bring huge benefit to patients, but who wants to receive a terminal diagnosis from a robot? ask Michael Mittelman, Sarah Markham, and Mark Taylor

Will AI Replace Ophthalmologists?

“…10 The patient-clinician interaction is innately human and, in the words of patients themselves, depends on "two humans who both can fully contextualise and appreciate the patient's values, wishes, and preferences." 11 Beyond the human interaction component, translating AI from laboratory experiment to a real-world tool entails additional challenges. "Do no harm," the first line of the Hippocratic Oath, signifies that physicians employing tools such as AI in patient care delivery must maintain safety as the first priority.…”

Artificial intelligence versus clinicians

“…Such factors become particularly important if a patient has symptoms for which no diagnosis can be found, or when the disease is known but little can be done 11. Patients emphasise that sensing that your doctor truly cares about what you are going through, really wants to help, and is able to establish a “genuinely intimate and empathetic connection,” makes a big difference to their experience of and ability to manage their health 12…”

Human factors: bridging artificial intelligence and patient safety

“…Doctor-patient communication has an important role in ensuring patient safety. The therapeutic power of the doctor-patient encounter relies on their relationship which can contextualize and appreciate a patient's values, needs, and preferences (Mittelman, Markham, & Taylor, 2018). Situational awareness is being conscious of our surroundings (Leonard, Graham, & Bonacum, 2004).A clinician's or patient's understanding of their surrounding depends on their prior experience and acquired knowledge.…”