Nearly half of adults surveyed in 13 countries, including the United States, believe that someone without medical training who knows how to use artificial intelligence can perform at least one health task as well as, or better than, a trained health care professional. The finding comes from a new special analysis by the Edelman Trust Institute and the Yale School of Public Health.
The result measures belief, not performance. No AI tool or AI user was tested for accuracy. The same survey found that 7 in 10 respondents believe at least one of six divisive health claims, including the claim that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can lead to autism. For patients who consult chatbots before calling a doctor, that combination matters.
