AI can support doctors but should never replace patient trust, experts say
Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve healthcare by reducing doctors’ workloads and supporting clinical decisions, but medical experts say trust between patients and
By BBC News
Artificial intelligence can play an increasingly important role in healthcare, but it should support doctors rather than replace the human relationships that are essential to patient care, medical experts have said.
Speaking during a BBC discussion, Dr Chris van Tulleken, Dr Xand van Tulleken and Dr Emma Karoune explored how AI is beginning to transform healthcare while stressing that technology should complement, not replace, clinicians.
Dr Karoune said the greatest value of AI lies in helping healthcare professionals work more efficiently by reducing time spent on routine administrative tasks and supporting clinical decision-making.
She said AI has the potential to improve workflows, allowing doctors to spend more time with patients rather than completing paperwork or carrying out repetitive administrative duties.
However, she emphasised that the relationship between doctor and patient remains one of the most important aspects of healthcare and cannot be replicated by technology.
Trust, communication and empathy continue to play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment decisions and long-term patient care, she said, making human interaction indispensable even as AI tools become more sophisticated.
Artificial intelligence is already being introduced across parts of the NHS and healthcare systems worldwide to assist with tasks such as analysing medical images, identifying potential health risks, drafting clinical notes and helping prioritise patients for treatment.
Supporters believe these technologies could reduce waiting times, improve efficiency and help tackle workforce pressures by allowing clinicians to focus on more complex aspects of patient care.
Medical experts have repeatedly stressed, however, that AI should be viewed as a tool to assist healthcare professionals rather than make independent clinical decisions.
The discussion highlighted the growing consensus that while artificial intelligence is likely to become a routine part of modern healthcare, responsibility for diagnosis, treatment and patient communication must remain with qualified clinicians.
As investment in healthcare AI continues to grow, experts say striking the right balance between technological innovation and compassionate, person-centred care will be essential to maintaining public confidence in the health service.