One in seven in UK prefer consulting AI chatbots to seeing doctor, study finds
In the UK, 15% of adults are turning to AI chatbots for medical advice instead of consulting their GP, according to a study by King’s College London. The research highlights safety concerns and the need for clearer regulation as people increasingly rely on unverified digital tools for health decisi…
In a recent survey of more than 2,000 adults across the United Kingdom, researchers found that one in seven people are turning to AI‑powered chatbots for health advice rather than visiting their general practitioner. The study, conducted by a team at King’s College London, reveals that 15% of respondents have used these digital assistants, with a quarter of them citing long waiting times at NHS services as a key factor in their decision.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team collected data through an online poll that asked participants about their health‑seeking behaviours. Participants were asked whether they had ever consulted an AI chatbot for medical information, how often they used such tools, and whether they had avoided a GP appointment because of the chatbot’s advice. The poll also gathered demographic data, allowing the researchers to analyse trends across age groups and other variables.
Key Findings and Their Implications
The most striking result is that 15% of respondents reported using an AI chatbot for health advice. Of those, 25% said they had done so because the NHS waiting lists were too long. More concerning, a fifth of users indicated that the chatbot’s response discouraged them from seeking professional medical help, and a similar proportion said they decided against a GP visit after receiving advice from the chatbot.
Prof Graham Lord, the study’s lead author, warned that the rapid uptake of AI tools is creating an “unregulated AI healthcare system alongside the NHS.” He emphasized that while AI can offer quick answers, it lacks the ability to perform a physical examination, review a patient’s full medical history, or recognise subtle clinical signs. This limitation raises significant safety and accountability questions, especially when patients rely on potentially inaccurate information.
Respondents were almost evenly split on whether AI should be used in clinical decision‑making, with 37% in favour and 38% opposed. Age appeared to be a factor: 49% of those aged 18 to 24 opposed the clinical use of AI within the NHS, whereas only 36% of respondents aged 65 and over held the same view.
Expert Opinions and Calls for Regulation
Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, expressed strong concern over the trend. She noted that AI tools can provide quick answers but cannot replace the nuanced judgment of a trained clinician. “Patients should not feel they have to rely on AI tools because they are facing long waits or difficulties accessing support,” she said. She called for AI to be used as a supplement rather than a substitute, and stressed the importance of transparent, evidence‑based guidelines for its deployment.
Both experts highlighted the need for greater transparency about how AI tools are trained, what data they use, and how decisions are made. They urged that any integration of AI into NHS services must be accompanied by robust regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety and maintain public trust.
What Happens Next?
The study’s findings have already sparked discussions within NHS policy circles and among technology developers. While the research does not yet provide a definitive roadmap, it underscores the urgency of establishing clear guidelines for AI usage in healthcare. Future work will likely involve pilot programmes that test AI tools in controlled settings, coupled with rigorous evaluation of their safety, efficacy, and impact on patient outcomes.
In the meantime, patients are advised to use trusted sources such as NHS.uk for health information and to seek professional medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen. The study serves as a reminder that while AI can be a useful adjunct, it should never replace the comprehensive care provided by qualified healthcare professionals.
Why it matters
The rise of AI chatbots for health advice threatens to undermine safe, evidence‑based medical care and could lead to misdiagnoses or delayed treatment. Understanding this trend is essential for safeguarding patient health and shaping future healthcare policy.
Key points
- 15% of UK adults use AI chatbots for health advice
- Long NHS wait times drive some patients to digital alternatives
- A fifth of users feel AI discourages them from seeing a GP
- Experts call for regulation and transparency in AI healthcare
- Age differences: younger users more opposed to AI in clinical settings
Frequently asked questions
What is the main risk of using AI chatbots for health advice?
AI chatbots may provide inaccurate or incomplete information, potentially leading patients to delay or avoid seeking professional medical care.
Are AI chatbots regulated in the UK?
Currently, AI chatbots used for health advice operate in a largely unregulated space, prompting calls for clearer guidelines and oversight.
How can patients protect themselves when using AI health tools?
Patients should cross‑check information with reputable sources like NHS.uk and consult a healthcare professional if they have concerns or if symptoms persist.
