WebMD to ChatGPT: The new era of digital diagnosis
42% of Australians believe they have a better understanding of their health than their doctor
Our survey of 1,000 Australian adults offers insightful revelations into the integration of technology in healthcare routines. The key findings are presented in our report, "WebMD to ChatGPT: The New Era of Digital Diagnosis."
A notable 88% of Australians now own a personal smart device, and a significant 66% of these individuals use their devices for health tracking, signaling a strong trend towards digital health management. Amongst health trackers, 48% recognize the influence of technology on their health behaviors, though there's a balanced perspective in the adoption of digital tools, with 35% using digital coaching or workout apps.
Data security is a vital concern in digital health, with 42% of respondents placing their trust in AI/technology companies to protect their health information. Leading the trust chart are brands like Apple, Google, and Fitbit. While 70% have sought online health symptom information, only 14% have consulted a language model like ChatGPT for health advice. Among those, 51% received a diagnosis, and a significant 76% verified its accuracy with a doctor.
A cautious yet growing acceptance of AI is observed in health-related tasks. Australians are increasingly using AI for tasks like scheduling doctor appointments and tracking health records, but over half remain skeptical about AI's role in diagnosing medical conditions.
The survey also highlights an increased comfort with telehealth, with 56% comfortable with this medium, and 36% preferring telehealth appointments over traditional in-person visits. Additionally, technology has enhanced health awareness among Australians, particularly in monitoring heart rate and sleep patterns.
In terms of trusted sources for health advice, personal doctors remain the most trusted, followed by major hospitals. There's also a notable openness to AI-based digital coaching or workout apps.
Looking ahead to 2024, 31% of Australians have set health or fitness-related resolutions, with 61% planning to use AI to help achieve these goals. This trend underscores the evolving role of AI and technology in Australia's healthcare landscape
Here's what participants had to say
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