One in seven use chatbots instead of contacting GP

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

One in seven adults in the UK report used AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude or Microsoft Copilot for health advice instead of contacting a GP or NHS service.

In a public attitudes survey on AI in healthcare, one in 10 said they had used AI instead of seeing a trained mental health professional.

But three-quarters of people in the UK feel that AI tools used in patient care need to be formally approved and regulated, the research from King’s College London found.

The study identified widespread concerns about the technology, with anxiety over safety and accuracy when AI is used by clinicians in the NHS.

In a report outlining the findings, the researchers said while the government pushes ahead with plans to expand the use of AI in healthcare, the public want to see tighter oversight and consent.

Professor Graham Lord, executive director at King's Health Partners, and colleagues carried out a survey of 2,093 UK adults between 24 and 30 March this year. Of the respondents, 76% believed AI systems used in patient care should undergo official approval and regulation.