HQ Team
August 2, 2025: A new study conducted by Moritz Reis from the University of Wuerzburg in Germany and colleagues has shed light on the public’s perception of physicians who utilize AI in their practice. The research involved a survey of 1,276 adult respondents who rated physicians based on four fictitious advertisements for family doctors. The advertisements varied in describing the use of AI in diagnostic, therapeutic, or administrative capacities, or made no mention of AI at all (control group).
The findings revealed a concerning trend: physicians portrayed as using any form of AI were consistently rated lower on key attributes. Specifically, the physicians were perceived as significantly:
less competent (control: 3.85 points; administrative AI: 3.71 points; diagnostic AI: 3.66 points; therapeutic AI: 3.58 points),
less trustworthy (control: 3.88 points; administrative AI: 3.66 points; diagnostic AI: 3.62 points; therapeutic AI: 3.61 points), and
less empathetic (control: 4.00 points; administrative AI: 3.80 points; diagnostic AI: 3.82 points; therapeutic AI: 3.72 points)
across all AI conditions compared to the control group. Furthermore, respondents indicated a significantly lower willingness to make an appointment with the physician if any type of AI use was mentioned (control: 3.61 points; administrative AI: 3.32 points; diagnostic AI: 3.16 points; therapeutic AI: 3.15 points).
Notably, there were no significant differences among the different types of AI use.
The authors suggest that this skepticism may stem from concerns that physicians rely too much on AI, potentially reducing patient-physician interactions, and worries about data protection and rising healthcare costs. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication by physicians regarding the rationale for using AI and its potential benefits for patients.
Increasing use of AI in healthcare
Despite public skepticism, the use of AI in healthcare is on the rise. As of September 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared 1016 AI devices for clinical use. AI applications in healthcare range from diagnostic tools that analyze medical images to administrative tools that streamline patient scheduling and record-keeping. While these technologies promise to enhance efficiency and accuracy, they also introduce challenges related to patient trust and physician-patient relationships.
Public views on AI in healthcare
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 60% of Americans would be uncomfortable with their healthcare provider relying on AI in their own health care. Concerns about data security are also prevalent, with 37% of Americans believing that AI use in health and medicine would make the security of patients’ records worse. Additionally, a majority of Americans (75%) express concern that healthcare providers will move too fast in implementing AI before fully understanding the risks for patients.
An AMA survey showed that four in 10 physicians are both equally excited and concerned about AI applications in health care and how they may impact the patient-physician relationship. While 70% of respondents recognized AI’s potential to support diagnoses and improve workflow efficiency, large percentages worry about patient privacy and de-personalizing the human interactions that have always been at the centre of health care.
Another survey from Elsevier found almost half of clinicians around the world, 48%, believe it’s a good thing for AI to help direct care pathways. The broad buy-in is striking since, in the present year, only 11% of clinical decisions are assisted by AI tools.
Implications for physicians
The study’s findings highlight the importance for physicians to communicate transparently with patients about their use of AI. By emphasizing the benefits of AI and addressing patient concerns, physicians may be able to mitigate some of the negative perceptions associated with AI use in healthcare. As AI continues to integrate into medical practice, fostering trust through clear communication and patient education will be crucial for its successful adoption.