Doctors Concerned About Growing Reliance on AI for Drug Prescription

NIGERIA: According to an article published by Chijioke Iremeka on the website punchng.com, public health physicians have expressed deep concerns over the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) for drug prescriptions and medical needs among Nigerians. This growing reliance, they argue, poses significant health risks, as AI lacks the nuanced understanding of individual patient needs that only human doctors can provide.

Medical experts are particularly worried that AI, although capable of enhancing efficiency and providing insights, fails to account for vital factors such as medical history, allergies, and psychological nuances that significantly affect treatment outcomes. Physicians emphasized that while AI might serve as a valuable tool for support, it should not replace human judgment in patient care.

Public Warnings from Medical Experts

The Health Promotion and Education Alumni Association of the Ibadan College of Medicine (HPEAAICM) has warned Nigerians against self-diagnosing and using AI for medical prescriptions. According to Iremeka’s article, the association urged the public to avoid turning to AI or the internet for healthcare needs, as these approaches may overlook essential details about a patient’s medical history and potentially lead to serious harm.

Dr. Bright Orji, President of the Association, spoke during the opening of a two-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Innovations in Public Health,” in Ibadan. Orji stressed, “The reason we want to do this is so that everyone is well aware of what to do. You can observe that even social media is being misused and abused. So, it’s important that there is a lot of information, and of course, disinformation, in the age we live in today.”

Orji’s remarks highlight the need for moderation in the use of AI, especially in the healthcare sector, where accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to patient safety.

Limitations of AI in Medical Practice

Several experts consulted by PUNCH Healthwise cautioned that while AI presents numerous opportunities, both public health consumers and practitioners must remain mindful of its limitations. AI, they argue, is prone to “hallucinating” and creating information that does not exist. This potential flaw could lead to the generation of incorrect medical advice or even nonexistent medications.

Professor Tanimola Akande, an epidemiologist and professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, stated, “Reliance on AI for drug prescription is not advisable. There are other symptoms of diseases that the patient can report, that are elicited by doctors during physical examination of the patient that AI cannot provide.” He also pointed out that AI cannot interpret diagnostic test results or consider other contextual factors needed for the effective treatment of patients.

Akande stressed, “Certainly, AI cannot take the place of physicians in the management of patients. Reliance on AI by individuals for treatment of ailments is inappropriate and may be risky when fully relied on.” He encouraged the public to seek care from properly staffed health facilities and consult medical professionals, noting that AI should be seen as a supportive tool rather than an alternative to a physician’s expertise.

Need for Health Education

To mitigate the risks of patients relying on AI for treatment, Professor Akande emphasized the importance of educating the public about AI’s limitations. He said, “To discourage the practice of patients using AI for treatment, a lot of health education is required for people to know the limitations of using AI in managing patients.” He reiterated that consulting a doctor remains the safest course of action when one is ill, rather than relying solely on AI-generated recommendations.

This sentiment was echoed by Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide. Otolorin warned about the dangers of over-relying on AI, as some AI systems could “hallucinate” and generate fictitious information. “We must be cautious that people don’t start relying on AI instead of healthcare workers, as some AI tools can hallucinate. An AI tool might generate a medication that doesn’t exist and describe the side effects of that nonexistent drug,” he explained.

Responsibility and Accountability in Medical Practice

Professor Otolorin further underscored the importance of accountability in medical practice, particularly when AI is involved. He noted that the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council would hold practitioners accountable if mistakes occur due to AI use. “If a healthcare worker errs and tries to blame AI, they will face consequences from the Council,” Otolorin stated, emphasizing the value of medical training and the responsibility that comes with patient care.

He highlighted the risk of quackery and improper medical practice enabled by the misuse of AI, stating, “They exist in all fields, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. Patients need to be cautious as well; some now treat Google as their doctor.” Otolorin urged patients to be wary of misinformation and to always consult qualified healthcare professionals instead of relying solely on online information, which might lack reliability and accuracy.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

While AI has great potential in enhancing certain aspects of healthcare, experts agree that it must be used with caution and never replace the expertise and decision-making of medical professionals. AI can provide useful information and aid in patient management, but it lacks the depth of understanding and the ability to consider all variables in the same way as a trained physician. Dr. Orji, Professor Akande, and Professor Otolorin all emphasize the critical role of human judgment and personalized care in ensuring patient safety.