AI and genetic medicine in health care: Australians have their say

Health fund HCF has conducted a survey investigating the future of medicine, revealing that the Australian population is mostly comfortable with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care but less sure about genetic medicine.

Over 80% of respondents to the HCF Health Barometer Survey said they were comfortable with AI being used to diagnose common medical problems and interpret test results, with 58% stating that AI is a major step in the right direction for earlier disease detection and reduced incidence of death. 72% were willing to allow AI to be used in prescribing treatment, with improved efficiency (50%), accuracy (57%) and keeping long-term hospital patients comfortable at home (53%) revealed as some of the benefits of embracing AI technology.

But while 53% of Australians believe the use of AI will reduce pressures on the current healthcare system and 46% think tech can help relieve medical staff to focus on more important tasks at hand, people are also very much aware of some of the limitations of AI technology. Privacy concerns over patient records and medical confidentiality (58%), as well as a lack of human intuition (57%), were identified as issues in the survey.

Australians were even more sceptical when it came to the topic of genetic medicine, which incorporates areas such as gene therapy, personalised medicine and predictive medicine. 43% believe genetic medicine is an unnecessary procedure in the healthcare system, 36% feeling that knowing too much information might reduce quality of life or increase anxiety.

Respondents were even less certain about the treatment of currently healthy but at-risk patients with pre-emptive surgery, with 32% finding such a practice unacceptable and another 35% unable to provide an answer. However, 61% are open to the creation of personally customised organs or limbs using CT scans and 3D modelling.

“It’s clear that Australians can see the benefit of technological advancements in health, particularly where it can be used to prevent disease and improve patient care,” said HCF Managing Director Shaun Larkin. “However, it seems we are also torn between the perceived positives and the potential limitations of removing the human element. This healthy dose of scepticism is important for the sector to recognise and respond to — we need to be clear about the benefits but also to be very open about any potential risks.

“It’s easy to get excited about technology that can help save lives and potentially revolutionise patient care. At the same time, we need to be aware of the implications of change — from the true cost of technological advancements to other ethical and personal considerations. Our healthcare system is innovating and it is important we do this at the right speed to address changing health needs but also to ensure consumers are comfortable.”