In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a new digital revolution is taking place. Propelled by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, ChatGPT has captured the attention of industries worldwide, including healthcare where it shows a potential impact on patient communication.
While chatbots have been employed in the healthcare sector for years, ChatGPT and equivalent technologies offer a leap forward in patient interaction, according to Rania Akkela, Head of Marketing at Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres. With faster and more accurate information delivery, ChatGPT holds promise for enhancing patient communication.
“ChatGPT and AI software like BARD can bring significant benefits if used appropriately across all industries, not just healthcare,” said Akkela.
Although still in its infancy, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionise healthcare in various domains. “Patient communication is just the tip of the iceberg. This technology can be employed in data analytics, patient record analysis, and even diagnostic support,” she added.
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However, she cautioned that the early stages of this technology present challenges concerning patient safety and confidentiality. “In clinical and customer-facing settings, ChatGPT’s application is yet to be fully realised,” said Akkela.
There are currently no concrete examples or use cases within the healthcare industry as of yet. “Educated assumptions can be made based on the technology’s capabilities. One drawback of ChatGPT is the limited access to data, which currently only extends up until 2021. This temporal gap could result in the delivery of inaccurate information to users,” she added.
Moreover, concerns arise when considering the use of ChatGPT for diagnoses and treatment plans. “Technology is not yet advanced enough to handle such critical tasks. Additionally, data privacy emerges as a significant area of concern. Without established parameters to ensure data protection, healthcare organisations face the challenge of safeguarding patient information, which is of paramount importance,” she said.
As for the future of ChatGPT in the UAE’s healthcare landscape, the adoption of this technology may vary across organisations, adding that the growing popularity of AI-powered systems among users and the resulting shift in consumer behaviour could mean that healthcare providers need to adapt to meet evolving expectations, or risk falling behind in the competitive market.
“The integration of ChatGPT in healthcare holds immense potential for improving patient communication and streamlining processes. However, caution must be exercised in its implementation to address issues such as data privacy, technical limitations, and the need for further advancements,” Akkela concluded.
