Defining the Doctor-Patient Relationship in the Age of AI

Author

Campion Quinn
January 15, 2025

By Campion Quinn, MD

 The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is reshaping the intricate dynamics between patients and physicians. While AI introduces tools that can augment medical practice, it also poses challenges that may influence the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. Grasping these dual impacts is essential for physicians striving to harness AI's potential without compromising patient trust.

Defining the Doctor-Patient Relationship

At its core, the doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, empathy, and effective communication. This bond ensures that patients feel valued and understood, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and overall satisfaction with care. The introduction of AI into this dynamic necessitates a careful examination of how these foundational principles may be affected.

Enhancements to the Doctor-Patient Relationship

 Elevated Diagnostic Precision and Expediency

AI-driven diagnostic instruments scrutinize extensive datasets, assisting in precisely identifying medical conditions. For instance, A 2023 study published in The Lancet Digital Health demonstrated that an AI system outperformed radiologists in detecting breast cancer in mammograms.[1] They found that replacing one radiologist with AI for independent reading of screening mammograms resulted in a 4% higher non-inferior cancer detection rate than radiologist double reading. This highlights AI's potential in diagnostics.[2]

 Optimization of Administrative Responsibilities

AI systems capable of automating routine administrative tasks—such as appointment scheduling and electronic health record management—alleviate clerical burdens, granting physicians more time for direct patient engagement thereby strengthening their relationships.[3]  For example, AI-powered voice assistants like Suki AI have been reported to save physicians hours on note-taking, enabling them to focus more on patient care.[4]

 Customized Patient Care

Through sophisticated data analysis, AI offers insights into individual patient needs, enabling the formulation of tailored treatment plans. This personalized approach can enhance patient satisfaction and adherence to medical advice.  For instance, AI algorithms can analyze patient data to recommend personalized medication regimens, improving treatment efficacy.[5]

 

Hindrances to the Doctor-Patient Relationship

 Diminished Personal Interaction

Person-centered care is widely regarded as the optimal approach in doctor-patient relationships. This method enhances patient satisfaction, reduces malpractice incidents, and boosts employee retention rates. Moreover, it is associated with improved health outcomes.3 Implementing person-centered care involves focusing on the whole person, considering their preferences, needs, and values in clinical decisions. This holistic approach leads to better patient engagement, which can result in improved treatment adherence and overall health.[6]

Effective communication is a cornerstone of person-centered care. By fostering open and empathetic interactions, healthcare providers can build stronger patient relationships, increasing trust and satisfaction. Such communication has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce the likelihood of malpractice claims.[7]

An overreliance on AI may curtail face-to-face communication, potentially eroding the personal connection between doctors and patients. Patients might feel marginalized if technology appears to overshadow human interaction.  A report by the Council of Europe highlights concerns that AI could depersonalize medical consultations, affecting the quality of doctor-patient relationships.[8]

 

Patient Distrust in AI

A recent survey reveals that many Americans are uneasy about integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their healthcare. Specifically, 60% of U.S. adults express discomfort with their healthcare provider utilizing AI for diagnosing diseases and recommending treatments, while only 39% indicate comfort with this approach.[9]

Several factors influence this apprehension. Many individuals are skeptical about AI's ability to enhance health outcomes. Only 38% believe that employing AI in healthcare would lead to better patient results, 33% fear it could worsen outcomes, and 27% think it would have little impact.

Concerns also extend to the patient-provider relationship. A majority, 57%, worry that AI's involvement might deteriorate this personal connection, with only 13% anticipating an improvement.8  Demographic variations exist in these perceptions. Women are more likely than men to feel uncomfortable with AI in their healthcare, with 66% of women expressing discomfort compared to 54% of men. Additionally, individuals with higher education and income levels and younger adults tend to be more open to AI applications in healthcare, though discomfort remains prevalent across all groups.8   These findings highlight the need for healthcare providers and policymakers to address public concerns and build trust in AI technologies to facilitate their effective integration into healthcare settings.

 

Ethical and Privacy Concerns

The deployment of AI raises ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning data privacy and potential algorithmic biases. Patients may worry about the confidentiality of their health information and the fairness of AI-driven decisions.[10]  A report by the Council of Europe discusses AI's ethical challenges to the doctor-patient relationship, emphasizing the need for transparency and patient consent. [11]

 

Strategies for Physicians to Enhance Relationships Using AI

 Transparent Communication

Articulating AI's role in patient care, addressing concerns, and emphasizing that AI is an adjunct to professional judgment can foster trust. A study in Frontiers in Medicine suggests that transparency about AI's capabilities and limitations is essential for maintaining patient trust.[12]  

Preservation of Human Connection

Ensuring AI integration does not supplant personal interactions is vital. Prioritizing empathetic communication and active listening helps maintain the therapeutic alliance. Ensuring AI integration does not replace personal interactions is critical. Prioritizing empathetic communication and active listening helps maintain the therapeutic alliance. Physicians should use AI to enhance, not substitute, the human elements of care.[13]

 Continuous Education.

Staying abreast of AI advancements and their implications for patient care enables physicians to utilize AI effectively and ethically.  Ongoing education ensures physicians can critically assess AI tools and appropriately integrate them into practice.[14]

 Advocacy for Ethical AI Use

Engaging in discussions about the ethical implementation of AI, advocating for transparent and equitable systems, and respecting patient privacy are crucial steps.  Physicians can play a role in shaping policies that govern AI use in healthcare to protect patient interests.10

 Conclusion

Artificial intelligence holds the potential to enhance healthcare delivery significantly. However, its impact on the doctor-patient relationship is multifaceted, presenting opportunities and challenges. By embracing transparent communication, preserving personal connections, pursuing continuous education, and advocating for ethical AI use, physicians can navigate this evolving landscape to benefit their patients.

 

 


[1] Artificial intelligence for breast cancer detection in screening mammography in Sweden: a prospective, population-based, paired-reader, non-inferiority study. Dembrower, Karin et al. The Lancet Digital Health, Volume 5, Issue 10, e703 - e711

 

[3] Fogel AL, Kvedar JC. Artificial intelligence powers digital medicine. NPJ Digit Med. 2018;1:5.

 

[5] Sauerbrei, A., Kerasidou, A., Lucivero, F. et al. The impact of artificial intelligence on the person-centred, doctor-patient relationship: some problems and solutions. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 23, 73 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02162-y

[7] Sharkiya, S.H. Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res 23, 886 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09869-8

 

[14] Kingsford, Philip A. et al. Artificial Intelligence and the Doctor-Patient Relationship, The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 137, Issue 5, 381 - 382