Why this matters
Consumers and health care systems not only share concerns about rising costs, high interest rates, inflation, and clinician burnout, but they also share optimism in a technology that may help alleviate some of these challenges — Generative AI. Generative AI is artificial intelligence that creates original content across various modalities (e.g., text, images, audio, code, voice, video) that would have previously taken human skill and expertise to create.
A new, nationally representative survey of 2,014 U.S. adults conducted by Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions (Center) found more than half of all survey respondents (53%) believe Generative AI could improve access to health care, and 46% of consumers said it had the potential to make health care more affordable. The Deloitte’s Center research team explored consumers’ preferences in its “2023 Health Care Consumer Survey.”
Consumers ask Generative AI for health help
Health was one of the top reasons consumers cited for using Generative AI. Of those surveyed, 48% of consumers said they are using the technology while 84% have at least heard of it. Interestingly, consumers find Generative AI to be particularly reliable for health care with the vast majority of these users (69%) rating the information as either very reliable or extremely reliable. The researchers found that 1 in 5 consumers who accessed Generative AI for health and wellness used it to learn about medical conditions.
Key quote
“At a time when health care costs are a growing concern for many consumers, our survey shows that they believe Generative AI may be the key to reducing costs, improving access, and leveraging it to improve their well-being. Hearing from consumers gives us valuable insights into areas of key concern to adopt this technology across health care. Their perspectives can help us define a roadmap for adoption and industry role out that both helps to protect consumers and supports providers, payers and innovators to develop solutions that can drive optimal outcomes.”
— Asif Dhar, M.D., vice chair and U.S. life sciences and health care industry leader, Deloitte LLP
Be honest with me doc
Consumers appear to be on board with clinicians who use Generative AI to provide additional information about their conditions (e.g., treatment options), and for reviewing or interpreting lab results. However, they seem to be less comfortable with providers who might use Generative AI for decisions about their care (e.g., diagnosis, triage and nature of treatment). The research also found that 4 in 5 consumers think it is important or extremely important that their health care provider disclose when they are using Generative AI for their health needs. Consumer preferences about Generative AI could encourage health care organizations to develop transparent processes and design regulatory and patient-protection programs that reflect consumer concerns.
Key quote
“Generative AI is an important evolution in the digital transformation journey that life sciences and health care companies are currently navigating. While it offers tremendous possibility for improving health experiences, access, and even growing the bottom line, organizations should prioritize governance and building a trustworthy framework that can not only be maintained but sustained to truly deliver on the future of health.”
— Bill Fera, M.D., principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP
