AI and Healthcare: Navigating the Risks and Opportunities

Healthvana, a patient interface company, has developed a conversational AI chatbot to assist patients dealing with sexually transmitted infections by providing quick answers to their questions. The chatbot had two available options: a standard AI persona or a drag queen. Surprisingly, the drag queen persona proved to be more engaging for patients, with 80% of people choosing this option. Healthvana CEO Ramin Bastani noted that patients enjoyed the comments that came from the drag queen persona.

During a panel at the Milken Institute 2024 Global Conference, health care leaders discussed the increasing use of AI in science and health care. They emphasized the importance of developers and health systems considering the limitations of AI to prevent harm to patients. MD Anderson Cancer Center Chief Data Officer Caroline Chung highlighted the need for a shift in mindset from viewing AI as a replacement to exploring the possibilities that AI can offer.

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In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on using technology to improve healthcare delivery. One such technology is conversational AI chatbots which are being used to assist patients with sexually transmitted infections by providing quick answers to their questions.

Healthvana’s conversational AI chatbot was designed to provide patients with accurate and timely information about their conditions. The chatbot had two available options: a standard AI persona or a drag queen.

Surprisingly, it was found that 80% of people chose the drag queen persona over standard one. This suggests that people may find certain types of communication more engaging than others.

Ramin Bastani, CEO of Healthvana stated that patients enjoyed hearing comments from the drag queen persona which was unexpected but appreciated.

During a panel at Milken Institute’s 2024 Global Conference, health care leaders discussed how they are increasingly utilizing technology in healthcare delivery. While this is seen as positive development by many experts in healthcare industry , it also raises concerns about potential risks associated with it.

One concern raised during this panel was about developers and health systems considering limitations of technology before deploying it on large scale level . This would help prevent any harm caused due to malfunctioning or misuse of technology.

Caroline Chung, Chief Data Officer at MD Anderson Cancer Center emphasized on shifting mindset from viewing technology as replacement but rather as tool that could offer new possibilities in healthcare delivery.