Artificial Intelligence in the Clinic: Creating Harmony or Just Adding Noise?

Abstract

Although still limited, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care has rapidly expanded in the past few years, especially in oncology clinics. In this article, AI refers to the development and implementation of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as language understanding, learning, and reasoning. AI technology is currently being used as <i>ambient listening technology</i> (AI-driven systems that passively capture verbal interactions between patients and health care providers), <i>patient messaging chatbots</i> (AI-enabled conversational agents designed to interact with patients by text or voice platforms), and as tools for inbox management and patient care delivery. However, the question remains: Is AI truly fostering harmony in health care, or just adding noise to an already complex system? Although the current applications of this technology have shown promising results in affecting routine care provided by physicians, this article will focus on AI's broader impact on the health care system-highlighting how ambient listening technology can improve the clinical experience for both patients and physicians, whether AI can reduce physician burnout through minimizing <i>in-basket workload</i> (the volume of messages that clinicians must manage within the electronic health record system), and AI's usage as a diagnostic tool. Key concerns addressed in this article include the potential pitfalls associated with AI integration, such as the need for proper clinician training to optimize AI algorithms while ensuring patient safety. The ambiguities surrounding the disclosure of AI in health care and the lack of a legal framework also raise significant concerns regarding patient autonomy, data privacy, trust, and beneficence. Future directions of AI in addressing these challenges are explored, alongside its potential integration into overburdened hospitals, underserved communities, telemedicine, and rural health care settings.

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