Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offer back pain advice with “accuracy levels comparable to those reported by healthcare professionals”, a new study has revealed.
ChatGPT is among some of the AI programmes that can offer the same level of lower back pain advice as a doctor.
During the study, the team of researchers analysed how well AI chatbots can answer questions on lower back pain.
- Nearly a quarter of GPs use AI to diagnose patients
- Mindfulness can modify how we experience pain
- Belly fat can increase women’s risk of chronic pain by 60%
Millions of people around the world are affected by lower back pain, with many of those turning to the internet for health information.
Senior author Professor Bruno Tirotti Saragiotto said: “The findings show that AI chatbots can offer advice with accuracy levels comparable to those reported by healthcare professionals in Australia.”
The results have shown that AI chatbots successfully answered questions on how to treat and self-manage lower back pain, such as ‘what complementary therapies like massage or acupuncture could alleviate lower back pain?’
AI chatbots have however answered some questions incorrectly, for example saying poor posture causes low back pain.
Corresponding author Dr Giovanni Ferreira said: “Our research indicates that AI chatbots have the potential to be a valuable resource for those seeking initial guidance on managing low back pain.
“It’s important to note that these tools should complement, not replace, professional medical advice.”
- Patients prefer ChatGPT responses over doctors’ responses
- AI detects disease from colour of human tongue
- Physician associate role unclear to half of patients
Professor Saragiotto said: “While the accuracy of the AI-generated advice was impressive, we must consider the accessibility of this information.
“Ensuring that health guidance is understandable to a broad audience remains an important challenge in the development of AI health tools.”
He concluded: “As AI technology continues to evolve, further research will be necessary to refine these tools and ensure they can provide accurate, accessible, and safe health information to the public.”
Read the study in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
