Nearly half of Americans are using artificial intelligence for health and medication advice, according to a recent survey by SingleCare.
A survey conducted by SingleCare reveals that an increasing number of Americans are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for guidance related to medications. The report indicates that 46% of respondents have utilized AI to answer questions about their medications, while 49% of those who use AI reported altering their medication regimen based on the information provided by these tools.
In terms of accuracy, 78% of respondents considered AI-generated medication information to be at least somewhat reliable. However, a significant 83% expressed concerns about the potential for AI to deliver incorrect guidance regarding medications. Convenience is also a factor, with nearly half of the respondents (47%) stating that they found using AI to be more convenient than consulting a healthcare professional.
The survey results also highlighted demographic variations in AI usage. Women were less likely than men to seek medication-related advice from AI, with 44% of women compared to 50% of men reporting usage. Parents, particularly those with two or more children, were more inclined to rely on AI for medication guidance, with 62% of this group using AI compared to 42% of respondents without children under 18 living at home.
Income levels appeared to influence AI usage as well. Households earning $100,000 or more were more likely to use AI for various medication-related tasks, such as comparing medication alternatives (46% vs. 26% for those earning less than $50,000), deciding whether to seek care for health issues (45% vs. 30%), interpreting lab results (34% vs. 24%), and obtaining prescriptions (44% vs. 34%).
Younger adults demonstrated a higher propensity to use AI for medication-related inquiries, although they also exhibited greater skepticism regarding the information provided. Reported usage among adults aged 18 to 54 was similar at 51%, but this figure dropped to 38% among those aged 55 and older. Notably, over half (56%) of adults aged 18 to 24 reported using AI for medication-related questions, and 80% of them verified the information. In contrast, only 38% of adults aged 55 and older had used AI for such purposes, and just 56% of them verified AI-generated information.
While many respondents relied on AI for basic medication research, a significant portion also used it to inform health decisions. About 51% indicated they used AI to learn about the purpose of a medication, while 44% looked up side effects or dosage recommendations. Additionally, 49% reported changing their medication regimen based on AI-generated advice.
Healthcare providers are noticing an uptick in patients arriving at appointments with AI-generated questions and recommendations. Dr. Leslie Greenberg noted, “Just in the past few weeks, patients have come to office visits with specific AI-related queries and answers.” She recounted an instance where a patient requested to “optimize” her hormones and sought an extensive lab panel, which is not commonly used in menopausal hormone therapy.
Dr. Chad Shaffer mentioned that some patients have effectively used AI as a preliminary resource for lifestyle guidance, provided they later discuss the information with a healthcare professional. He shared an example of a patient who utilized AI to generate dietary suggestions aimed at alleviating nausea and constipation associated with a weight management medication. The patient was advised to increase water and fiber intake while avoiding large, fatty, and late-night meals, which led to improved medication tolerance and efficacy.
Medical professionals stress the importance of not relying solely on AI for medication decisions. They encourage patients to consult their healthcare providers before initiating, discontinuing, or modifying any prescriptions. The survey also indicated that while the use of AI to navigate prescription drug costs is still in its infancy, nearly half of the respondents (47%) reported using AI to explore ways to save on prescription medications.
As AI continues to play a growing role in healthcare, it is essential for users to approach the information with caution and seek professional guidance to ensure safe and effective medication management.
According to SingleCare.