Doctors who used AI assistance in procedures became 20% worse at spotting abnormalities on their own, study finds, raising concern about overreliance

A doctor in an operating room looks at a laptop. Other doctors are gathered in the background. (Credit: Getty Images)

• Endoscopists introduced to AI-assistance tools during colonoscopies had a lower rate of detecting abnormalities after having said tools taken away, according to a study published this month in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal. Dr. Marcin Romańczyk, who conducted the study, said the results were a surprise, and he speculated that the decrease in detection rates were, in part, a result of overreliance on AI. In critical sectors like aviation where lives are at stake, there has been previous evidence of professionals relying too much on automation at the expense of safety.

Artificial intelligence may be a promising way to boost workplace productivity, but leaning on the technology too hard may prevent professionals from keeping their own skills sharp. More specifically, it sounds like AI might be making some doctors worse at detecting irregularities during routine screenings, new research finds, raising concerns about specialists relying too much on the technology.